Kellie Pickler No Longer Close Pals with Taylor.

Although the American Idol finalist turned country darling, 23, once told me she and Taylor were like sisters, they’re now barely acquaintances – even though the duo have been on the road touring together for a whole year.

“We both are even busier this year than last year,” Kellie admits during the Dressed To Kilt fashion show to benefit Friends of Scotland held Monday in NYC. “You really see each other backstage passing to go onto the stage, and that’s about it.”

"You look so pretty!" cries Kellie Pickler to Julianne Hough, as Taylor Swift bounces in with both serious and silly birthday gifts for Pickler (Jo Malone perfume—and pepper spray: "I don't have many friends, so I need to protect the ones I have!" exclaims Swift). Soon after, flowers arrive for Swift with a note from an admirer. "Ooh," Pickler and Hough tease. Swift, who's been quietly seeing Joe Jonas of the Jonas Brothers, blushes, and the three laugh.