Kellie Pickler goes from Idol alum to Hall of Famer

Country star Kellie Pickler is set to be honoured in her home state of North Carolina with an induction into its Music Hall of Fame.

The former American Idol finalist is among eight musicians who have been chosen to join the prestigious group of celebrities for the class of 2016.

Kellie, 29, took to Twitter.com on Wednesday (02Mar16) to share her excitement over the new honour, writing, "So incredibly honoured to represent my home state...this will be a big night full of Carolina love!"

Also joining her in the Class of 2016 is folk rock band The Avett Brothers, Rhiannon Giddens & the Carolina Chocolate Drops, late funk guitarist Chuck Brown, group Band of Oz, the late jazz bassist Percy Heath, folk artist David Holt and the Temptations' singer Ron Tyson.

The honourees will be inducted on 20 October (16), officially joining North Carolina's other Hall of Fame stars including Eric Church, James Taylor, Ronnie Milsap, Ben Folds and another American Idol alum, Clay Aiken.