Country stars Kellie Pickler and Joe Nichols will headline this year’s opening weekend concert at the Georgia National Fair.

Pickler gained fame as a former “American Idol” contestant while Nichols has been cranking out hits for more than 15 years.

“They are a co-headline show,” said Michelle Treptow, spokeswoman for the fair. “There is top billing for both.”

“A lot of people probably recognize her name a lot more because of ‘American Idol,’ but Joe Nichols is on his way up,” she said.

The fair matched up the shows using advice and comments from the public and local radio stations.

“It’s something we put together,” Treptow said.

Pickler, who was raised in North Carolina, auditioned for “American Idol” in 2005 and appeared on the show’s fifth season. She finished in sixth place and went on to sign a recording contract with 19 Recordings and BNA Records.

Her debut album, “Small Town Girl” went gold and included the hit singles “Red High Heels,” “I Wonder” and “Things That Never Cross a Man’s Mind.”

Pickler has since released two more albums, including this year’s “100 Proof.”

Pickler made news last month when she shaved her head in support of her best friend’s battle with breast cancer.

Nichols grew up in Arkansas and says he wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father, who played classic country music at the local Veterans of Foreign Wars chapter in his spare time.

Nichols went to Nashville at age 21 and started singing at local restaurants and bars. He released his first album in 1996 but his career didn’t take off until 2001 when he signed as a flagship artist with Universal South Records.

His second album, “Man With a Memory,” included the hits “The Impossible,” “She Only Smokes When She Drinks,” “Cool to Be a Fool” and “Brokenheartsville,” which climbed to No. 1 on the charts.

“The Impossible” was later named one of the 10 most played country songs in 2003 and the album earned Nichols a Top New Male Vocalist award from the Academy of Country Music and three Grammy nominations.

Nichols has gone on to release several more albums. He’s had 14 Top 40 country hits, including two other No. 1 singles: “Tequila Makes Her Clothes Fall Off” and “Gimme That Girl.” He’s also gained fame by touring with country greats Alan Jackson and Toby Keith.

“If you are country music fan, it’s a chance to see an act that could be a breakaway hit,” Treptow said of the Pickler and Nichols concert.

The $25 concert ticket includes the $8 fair admission if purchased in advance. There will be a special entry gate for concert ticket holders.

“You can come out and spend all day at the fair,” Treptow said.

Kellie Pickler and Joe Nichols Concert

When: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Reaves Arena, Georgia National Fairgrounds and Agricenter

Cost: $25; tickets purchased in advance include the $8 fair gate admission

Information: www.georgianationalfair.com