Kelli Pickler's

Fellow country star Taylor Swift co-hosted the awards with Kellie, along with Julianne Hough. "It was a roller coaster ride," Kellie tells OK!.

"She's like a sister to me," beams Kellie of her buddy Taylor. "We wrote a song together on my album, and she sang harmony on it. I love her to pieces – she's amazing."

"Everyone back home in North Carolina has been very supportive," smiles Kellie. "When you ride into Albemarle, there's a sign that says 'Home of Kellie Pickler.' People want to say hi and give me a hug – it's so flattering."