I don’t know what you all are doing tonight, but I know what I’m up to.  Hanging out with my cousins and counting down to midnight.  Like every other year, we’ll have Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve on as we drink some champagne and celebrate the end to an amazing 2008 and the start of what should be an even better 2009. 

Kellie Pickler, the country darling from American Idol’s 2006 Season, is this year’s Times Square correspondent and she spent some time telling us why she’s excited and what to expect tonight and in the New Year!

Follow the jump for the interview!

First things first, talking about New Year’s Eve, how excited are you to be participating in Dick Clark’s Rockin’ Eve?
I’m very excited.  This is my first time in New York for New Year’s so I’m looking forward to it.  Other than the weather!  15 degrees.

I checked the weather just shortly before I got on the phone and it’s showing 21 degrees as the possible high!  That’s a shock to the system! What’s your typical New Year’s Eve like?
Usually, I’m working on New Year’s, so I’ll be working again this year! [laughs]

What are you most excited about about being in the city this year?
I guess just the people.  This is an exciting event, and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve is all about having a good time, it’s all about celebrating 2009.  It’ll be fun.

When you were younger, did you watch Dick Clark, and hope to someday be involved?
Oh my gosh, absolutely!  I think everyone, kids growing up, always wanted to be on the show.  It’s one of the most watched television shows, it’s definitely an honor to be a part of this program.  You have Ryan Seacrest as the host, and I’ll be backing up.  It’ll be great.

How did you get involved in the show this year?
Well, they just called and asked if I would do it!

What else can we expect from the New Year’s Eve show?
Well, there’s going to be some amazing performers.  The Pussycat Dolls, Jesse McCartney, Lionel Ritchie.  Taylor Swift and The Jonas Brothers.  Fergie is going to be the Hollywood correspondent.  It’ll be switching from New York to Hollywood, so it’s a great lineup.  There are some big stars.

Will you have celebrities outside with you, or are you just down among the people?
That’s my people.  I’m going to be with the real people.  I’ll be down in Times Square with all of the fans and the tourists, just talking to people, getting to know people.  Making friends.  Trying to get anyone that wants to be on TV, on TV!

What do you hope 2009 holds for you?
I just really hope, we’re just releasing my brand new single, The Best Days of Your Life, which Taylor Swift and I wrote together.  I just really hope that the single does well, and that the album sells.  The industry is just so bad right now.  Nobody buys records anymore.  I’m just hoping to have the radio success.  Taylor and I are actually touring this summer together, so I’m looking forward to that.  I just want to be healthy and have a fun year, whatever happens?

Is there anything else you want to say to fans?
I guess just thanks to all the fans for giving me a great year. 2008 was amazing.  I’m really excited about 2009!