To say Kelsea Ballerini’s life has changed since New England Country Music last talked to her earlier in the year would be an understatement. The sweet, southern singer has busted out on the country music scene and is hotter than ever, but to no one’s surprise. It was her first single, ‘Love Me Like You Mean It,’ that took Ballerini to the No. 1 spot and began to pave the way for the Tennessee native. Not only did her debut single hit No. 1 on the charts, but it also was certified Gold by the RIAA, with over 500,000 sales and streams. “It’s crazy,” Kelsea laughed. “That’s so many people who have bought that song. I don’t know if I can even wrap my brain around that yet.” Among all the craziness, the 22-year-old took time to catch up with NECM while on her tour bus on her way to Utah and talk about the whirlwind that has become her life.
May 18th, 2015, was a day that changed everything, as Kelsea released her debut album, ‘The First Time.’ “Putting out that record was so exciting for me,” she beamed. “I was so excited to let people in farther and get to know me better.” The album received positive reviews immediately, supported by thousands of downloads. A huge check off her bucket list, the record contains some of her most personal experiences. “My goal for that record was that if someone listened to it top to bottom, they would know me better by the end of it. There are songs on there I have been working on since I was 12.” From love stories, to her parents’ divorce and everything in between, the bubbly blonde touched on all aspects of life in just twelve songs.
With great success comes pressure, as the decision to choose her next single became reality. The transition seemed flawless, as the second single released to radio followed up ‘Love Me Like You Mean It’ perfectly. That song, ‘Dibs,’ has heads turning and lips singing every time it comes on. “I think that because I am still new, I wanted to keep establishing myself,” Ballerini explained. “The vibe of ‘Love Me’ is fun and flirty with that underlying confidence and empowerment. I feel like ‘Dibs’ is the same way and I wanted to reintroduce that and show that’s who I am.” ‘Dibs’ even became the name of Kelsea’s new Labradoodle, who has been living the dream as the summertime brought fairs and festivals with wide-open spaces to play. “He goes on the road with me and adjusted to the bus life so well, ” she laughed.
In a time where women in the country music scene seems more prominent than ever, Kelsea Ballerini is at the top, but not without her friends. “It’s this really fun time all supporting each other and following in these powerhouse girl’s footsteps.” Women like Mickey Guyton, Cam, RaeLynn, and Maddie and Tae are all on the rise and continue to feed off of each other’s positive vibes and success. Ballerini raved about one of her closest friends, Guyton. “She is not only one of the most talented women I have ever, ever, ever heard, but she is so kind,” Kelsea admired. “I’ll tweet about getting sick or losing my voice and every single time she’ll text me or reach out and say, ‘Kels do this and this,’ she’s very protective and just a wonderful spirit.”
The accolades keep on rolling in, as Ballerini was chosen to announce some of CMA Award nominations on Good Morning America with Steven Tyler on September 9th. To her humble surprise, her name was mentioned under two categories- New Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year! That’s not where the recognition ends for her, however, as she was named Billboard’s Country’s ‘Next Queen,’ another surreal moment for the young woman. “First of all, it’s Billboard. That was insane. I look up to Shania Twain and Faith Hill and Taylor Swift so much. It’s an honor. I’ve watched them so closely and learned so much from them. To follow in their footsteps is more than I could ever ask for.” The modest tone in which Kelsea spoke, has remained refreshing and encouraging, and continues to show that the future of country music is in good hands with strong role models. It was Ballerini’s description of the CMT Music Awards that had us laughing and relating to the hit singer/songwriter. “I sat last year at the CMT Music Awards as a fan. This year, I was nominated and performed and got to sit with the cool kids and wear a pretty dress. I got to bring my mom as my date and we got to ‘fangirl’ over Carrie Underwood the whole time.” Kelsea Ballerini is the girl next door, the one who you want to be best friends with, and we couldn’t be happier about her success.
Another relatable aspect Kelsea has to others is her way to gain insight. Many people turn to Pinterest these days for fashion, food, wedding and workout ideas and Kelsea is no exception. ‘Stilettos,’ a track off of ‘The First Time,’ was born with the help of the website. “I saw a quote on Pinterest and wrote about that quote. That’s the creative thing about songwriting.” Inspiration is everywhere, but those who are creative enough to capture it are the difference. “As a songwriter, I’ve been trying to open up to writing anything all the time and not trying to box myself in and write about only vulnerable things to me. To be able to hear a story from a friend, or see a word, or see a quote on Pinterest and then write around that.”
Kelsea Ballerini has succeeded in becoming a household name in less than a year. With her debut album, two hit singles and an infectious personality everyone wants to be around, success will continue to grow for this young entertainer. Next up for the country queen is to stay on the road, promoting and inspiring young women everywhere. In December, Ballerini will take time off to start writing again and to get ready for the next year- a year that will only bring more excitement and acknowledgment for the loveable artist.