Kellie Pickler Performs ‘Tough’ at Billboard Country Music Summit

Last week, prior to the kick off of the 2011 CMA Music Festival, Kellie Pickler performed a private show for industry folks gathered at Nashville's Renaissance hotel as part Billboard's annual Country Music Summit seminar.

Pickler treated the intimate crowd gathered for the seminar's closing cocktail reception with many of her hits from her first two albums, as well as a spectacular performance of her latest single, 'Tough.' The new single has only been to radio for a few weeks, and has been rarely performed until that night.

"This is the first song that we've given to country radio from the new album," Pickler told the crowd prior to closing her set with 'Tough.' "I am so excited about this ... I love this song so much, and [this story] really is my life. I know it's so many other peoples story as well. I hope y'all like it."

Pickler kept the crowd on their feet throughout the evening as she blazed through her song selection, confirming that she is in fact one of country music's hottest superstars.

This week, Pickler heads south to Alabama to participate in the Bama Rising benefit concert where all proceeds will help those affected by the recent flooding and tornadoes that ripped through the southern states. Look for Pickler to release her third album, featuring 'Tough,' some time later this year.

Watch Kellie Pickler Perform 'Tough' at the 2011 Billboard Country Music Summit