Kelsea Ballerini is a country-pop singer-songwriter who has made a name for herself in the music industry since her debut in 2014.
Born on September 12, 1993, in Mascot, Tennessee, Ballerini grew up in a musical family and started singing at a young age.
She was heavily influenced by country music icons such as Shania Twain and Faith Hill, as well as pop stars Taylor Swift and Britney Spears.
Ballerini’s passion for music led her to move to Nashville, Tennessee, the heart of country music, at the age of 15.
She attended Lipscomb University for two years before dropping out to pursue her music career full-time.
She signed with Black River Entertainment in 2013 and released her debut single, ‘Love Me Like You Mean It,’in 2014, which became a breakout hit and earned her a spot on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart.
Since then, Ballerini has released three studio albums, won numerous awards, and collaborated with notable artists in the industry.
Key Takeaways
- Kelsea Ballerini is a country-pop singer-songwriter who was born in Mascot, Tennessee in 1993.
- She was heavily influenced by artists such as Shania Twain, Faith Hill, Taylor Swift, and Britney Spears.
- Ballerini moved to Nashville at the age of 15 to pursue a career in music and signed with Black River Entertainment in 2013.
- She has released several albums, including ‘The First Time,’ which received critical acclaim, and has won awards such as ACM New Female Vocalist of the Year and CMT Music Award for Female Video of the Year.
Early Life and Musical Influences
During her formative years, Kelsea Ballerini was heavily influenced by a range of musical genres, including country, pop, and rock. Born in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1993, Ballerini started singing and writing songs at an early age.
Growing up, she was exposed to a diverse range of musical influences, including artists like Shania Twain, Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera. These artists played a significant role in shaping her musical tastes, and Ballerini has often cited them as her primary influences.
Ballerini’s parents were also musical, and they encouraged her to pursue her passion from an early age. Her parents’ love of music exposed her to various musical styles, allowing her to develop a unique sound that blends country music with elements of pop and rock.
This diverse musical upbringing helped Ballerini to hone her craft and develop a sound that is distinctly her own.
Moving to Nashville
Relocating to Nashville is a significant milestone for many aspiring country musicians, as it provides access to the heart of the industry and countless opportunities to hone their craft.
Kelsea Ballerini was no exception to this rule. In 2008, at the age of 15, Ballerini convinced her mother to take her on a trip to Nashville to attend a songwriting workshop. During the trip, Ballerini snuck into the famous Bluebird Café, where she saw a songwriters’ round for the first time. This experience solidified her desire to move to Nashville and pursue a career in music.
In 2014, Ballerini finally made the move to Nashville, with little more than a dream and a few demos in hand. She spent her first few months in town playing any gig she could find, including a weekly slot at the famous downtown venue, Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge.
It was during this period that Ballerini began to develop her unique sound, blending traditional country instrumentation with pop-inspired melodies and lyrics. It wasn’t long before she caught the attention of Black River Entertainment, who signed her to a recording contract in 2014 and helped her release her debut single, ‘Love Me Like You Mean It.’
Signing with Black River Entertainment
Upon moving to Nashville, Kelsea Ballerini was signed to a recording contract by Black River Entertainment in 2014. This marked the beginning of her career as a country music artist.
Black River Entertainment is an independent record label that was founded in 2010 by Gordon Kerr, a music executive who has worked with some of the biggest names in country music, including Dolly Parton and Tim McGraw.
Under the guidance of the Black River Entertainment team, Ballerini began working on her debut album, ‘The First Time.’ The album was released in May 2015 and was met with critical acclaim, earning her a nomination for Best New Artist at the 2016 Grammy Awards.
The lead single from the album, ‘Love Me Like You Mean It,’ was a commercial success, reaching the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart and earning Ballerini her first gold certification.
Her partnership with Black River Entertainment has continued to be successful, with the label releasing her subsequent albums, ‘Unapologetically’ and ‘Kelsea.’ ‘Unapologetically’ debuted at number seven on the US Billboard 200 chart and included the hit singles ‘Legends’and ‘I Hate Love Songs,’while ‘Kelsea’ also debuted in the top ten and featured the singles ‘Homecoming Queen?’and ‘The Other Girl’featuring Halsey.
Debut Single and Breakthrough Success
Following her signing with Black River Entertainment, Kelsea Ballerini achieved breakthrough success with her debut single ‘Love Me Like You Mean It.’ The song was co-written by Ballerini herself and four other songwriters, and it quickly gained popularity among country music fans.
‘Love Me Like You Mean It’ topped the Billboard Country Airplay chart in June 2015, making Ballerini the first female country artist to achieve this feat with a debut single since Carrie Underwood in 2006. The song also earned her first gold certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for selling over 500,000 copies in the United States.
Ballerini’s success with ‘Love Me Like You Mean It’ paved the way for her to become a rising star in the country music industry. The song was just the beginning of a string of hits that Ballerini would achieve in the following years, including ‘Peter Pan’ and ‘Dibs.’
Her debut album, ‘The First Time,’ was released in May 2015 and received critical acclaim from music critics. Ballerini’s unique blend of pop and country music, combined with her relatable lyrics and infectious personality, has made her a fan favorite and a force to be reckoned with in the industry.
First Album: ‘The First Time’
Released in May 2015, ‘The First Time’ was Kelsea Ballerini’s debut album that received critical acclaim for its unique blend of pop and country music.
The album featured 12 tracks, with Ballerini co-writing all but one of them.
The lead single ‘Love Me Like You Mean It’ became a breakout hit, reaching the top of the Billboard Country Airplay chart and making Ballerini the first female artist to achieve this feat with a debut single since Carrie Underwood in 2006.
The success of ‘Love Me Like You Mean It’ helped propel ‘The First Time’ to the top 5 of the Billboard Top Country Albums chart and earned Ballerini nominations for several major music awards, including the Academy of Country Music Awards and the Country Music Association Awards.
The album showcased Ballerini’s ability to write catchy pop-infused country songs, with tracks like ‘Dibs’ and ‘Peter Pan’ becoming fan favorites and radio hits.
Overall, ‘The First Time’ marked a strong debut for Ballerini and solidified her place as a rising star in the country music genre.
Second Album: ‘Unapologetically’
The second album by the American country music singer-songwriter, Kelsea Ballerini, titled ‘Unapologetically’, showcases her growth as an artist. The album features 12 tracks, all co-written by Ballerini, that offer a blend of pop and country elements. The album’s lead single, ‘Legends,’peaked at number 3 on the US Country Airplay chart, and the album itself debuted at number 7 on the US Billboard 200, making it Ballerini’s second top-ten album.
The album’s title track, ‘Unapologetically,’is a standout song that highlights Ballerini’s growth and self-acceptance. The song’s lyrics express a sense of liberation and authenticity, with Ballerini singing, ‘I’m unapologetically in love / And that’s unapologetically enough.’
Overall, ‘Unapologetically’ showcases Ballerini’s evolution as an artist, both in terms of her songwriting and vocal ability, and offers a compelling mix of upbeat, radio-friendly tracks and more introspective ballads.
Third Album: ‘Kelsea’
With a total of 13 tracks, the third album by the American country music singer-songwriter showcases a diverse range of musical styles and themes. Released on March 20, 2020, ‘Kelsea’ features songs that are not only personal to Ballerini but also touch on universal themes such as love, heartbreak, and self-discovery. The album captures the essence of Ballerini’s journey as an artist, highlighting her growth and evolution as a songwriter.
One of the standout tracks on the album is ‘Hole in the Bottle,’an upbeat and catchy tune that celebrates the joys of drinking and partying. Another notable track is ‘Half of My Hometown,’a sentimental duet with country music superstar Kenny Chesney that reflects on Ballerini’s childhood memories and her journey to success.
Overall, ‘Kelsea’ is a well-crafted album that showcases Ballerini’s versatility as an artist while staying true to her country roots.
Three reasons why ‘Kelsea’ is worth listening to:
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The album features a range of musical styles, from upbeat party anthems to heartfelt ballads, making it suitable for different moods and occasions.
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Ballerini’s personal touch on the album makes it relatable to listeners who have experienced similar emotions and challenges in their own lives.
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Collaborations with other country music superstars, such as Kenny Chesney and Halsey, add depth and diversity to the album.
Collaborations and Touring
Collaborating with other country music stars and embarking on extensive tours have become integral components of Kelsea Ballerini’s career.
In 2019, Ballerini teamed up with pop singer Halsey for a duet titled ‘The Other Girl.’ The song is about two women who realize they are both involved with the same man and how they handle the situation. The collaboration received positive reviews, with fans and critics alike praising the two artists’ chemistry and vocal abilities. Additionally, Ballerini has also collaborated with other country music stars such as Thomas Rhett and Kenny Chesney. These collaborations have allowed Ballerini to expand her fanbase and showcase her versatility as an artist.
Ballerini has also been active in touring, with her latest tour being the ‘Miss Me More Tour’ in 2019. The tour spanned across North America and Europe, with Ballerini performing in major cities such as New York, London, and Paris. The tour was in support of her third studio album, ‘Kelsea,’ and featured a mix of her hit singles and new material.
Ballerini has also opened for major country music acts such as Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, and Tim McGraw. Her live performances have been praised for her energy and stage presence, with critics and fans noting her ability to connect with the audience. Overall, collaborations and touring have allowed Ballerini to solidify her status as a rising star in the country music industry.
Awards and Accolades
Awards and accolades have been a significant part of the recognition Kelsea Ballerini has received for her contributions to the country music industry.
In 2015, she was nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year at the Country Music Association Awards.
The following year, she won the ACM New Female Vocalist of the Year award and was nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards.
Ballerini’s 2017 album, ‘Unapologetically,’ debuted at number three on the Billboard 200 chart and earned her a nomination for Female Vocalist of the Year at the CMA Awards.
In 2020, she won the CMT Music Award for Female Video of the Year for her song ‘homecoming queen?’.
These awards and nominations are a testament to her talent and hard work, inspiring others to pursue their passions and strive for excellence in their respective fields.
Kelsea Ballerini’s achievements serve as a reminder that with dedication and perseverance, anyone can achieve their goals and make a significant impact in their chosen field.
It is impressive to see Kelsea Ballerini’s rise to success in the country music industry and the recognition she has received for her work.
Future Plans and Projects
One aspect of Kelsea Ballerini’s career that is generating interest is her upcoming projects and plans for the future. Despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic, Ballerini remains active in the music scene.
In 2020, she released the album ‘Kelsea,’which features hit tracks such as ‘Homecoming Queen?’and ‘Hole in the Bottle.’She also collaborated with other artists, such as Halsey and Kenny Chesney, for their respective singles.
For 2021, Ballerini has announced that she will release an album entitled ‘ballerini.’She has described the upcoming album as a ‘reintroduction’to herself as an artist. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Ballerini said that the album is a reflection of her growth in both her personal and professional life. Fans can expect a mix of upbeat tracks and emotional ballads, which showcase her versatility as a musician.
Along with the album, Ballerini is also set to embark on a tour in 2021, bringing her music to fans across the country.