Kelsea Ballerini: American Country Pop Singer and Songwriter
Kelsea Ballerini has much on her plate right now. She recently released her sophomore album, has just begun dating Chase Stokes, and released an emotional EP titled Rolling Up the Welcome Mat.
As she effortlessly treads the line between country and pop music with hits like “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Dibs,” and “Peter Pan” between 2014 and 2015, now she is pushing even further boundaries.
Kelsea Ballerini’s Biography
Kelsea Ballerini, an American country singer and songwriter born September 12 1993 in Mascot, Tennessee, began writing songs as a child before signing with Black River Entertainment in 2014 to release her debut album The First Time the following year. Since then she has released Unapologetically which earned seven Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charted singles.
Her success in music led to several other ventures. In 2021, she filled in for Kelly Clarkson on The Voice season 20 and co-hosted the CMT Music Awards alongside Kane Brown. Additionally, she performed as the opening act on Jonas Brothers’ Remember This tour.
Kelsea Ballerini is an established artist, yet she remains committed to writing new material. Her latest project – Kelsea Ballerini – marks her fourth studio album release since 2015 and marks the beginning of a partnership with multiple other artists.
She draws her musical influences from diverse sources; these include those of both of her parents who share Italian heritage; as well as being inspired by English and Scottish roots, as well as English and Scottish descent herself. With such diverse ethnic roots behind her work, she has created an engaging musical style that appeals to a broad range of listeners.
Kelsea’s musical career has flourished rapidly since she debuted in 2014. That year she released her debut album The First Time and quickly established herself as an exciting talent. Two years later came Unapologetically – another top seller that refined Kelsea’s hybrid country-pop sound while emphasizing storytelling over fast rhythms.
She has also worked with other prominent artists. For instance, in 2018 she contributed vocals for The Chainsmokers’ hit song, “This Feeling,” while two years later collaborated with LANY on his single, “I Quit Drinking”. These forays into pop music showcased not only how fluid her style can be but also her adaptability as an artist.
She has received numerous honors for her musical abilities, such as the CMT Women of Country Award and ACM New Female Vocalist of the Year Award, while also becoming a member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Kelsea Ballerini’s Career
Kelsea Ballerini was born in Mascot, Tennessee, and first began to write songs at an early age before attending Central High School Knoxville before moving to Nashville to pursue her musical dreams professionally. Over time she has collaborated with talented songwriters and producers such as Ross Copperman and Shane McAnally – each working on one or both albums or singles which have proven immensely popular with music listeners worldwide.
She currently boasts two platinum albums as well as multiple popular singles such as “Love Me Like You Mean It” and “Peter Pan”. Kelsea has come far since first writing her songs back then before moving from Tennessee – she began creating songs when she attended Central High School Knoxville then finally moving down south where she attended Central High before moving down south for professional musicianship a few years later settling into Nashville to pursue music full time.
Kelsea became the first female country artist since Carrie Underwood to reach the top of the Country Airplay chart with two singles from her debut album Unapologetically in 2016. Unapologetically debuted at number five on the Billboard Country Albums chart and received a nomination for Best Country Album at the 61st Grammy Awards.
She has appeared as a guest on numerous television programs and made an appearance in the 2021 movie, The Choice. Additionally, she is actively involved in philanthropy by supporting organizations like Musicians on Call, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and ACM Lifting Lives – in addition to her career in country music she has amassed an extensive social media following and become an icon for women in country music.
Kelsea’s musical style is heavily shaped by her upbringing and background. Her distinct sound has made her stand out among other female country stars; being of Italian, English, and Scottish heritage has given her her signature sound as well as her appreciation for storytelling.
Kelsea’s band members are highly-skilled individuals that play an essential part in her live performances. Together they have helped Kelsea craft an original sound and ensure each concert will be memorable for fans. Her bassist, drummer, and guitarist each bring something distinct to Kelsea’s music that enhances its overall soundscape.
Kelsea Ballerini has collaborated with numerous artists over her musical career and performed alongside numerous superstars. She won many prestigious awards – ACM New Female Vocalist of the Year Award 2016 and CMT Music Award Female Video of the Year for “Miss Me More” released in 2019. Kelsea is also an accomplished songwriter who has written songs for numerous artists; most recently with EDM pop duo The Chainsmokers on their song “This Feeling”.
Bestselling Female Country Music Artists
Kelsea Ballerini, signed to Black River Entertainment, has become one of the country’s bestselling female country music artists with multiple hits on country charts and an unprecedented sold-out tour. Born and raised in Mascot, Tennessee; Kelsea began dancing lessons at age three before continuing her training through age 18. After graduating high school in 2013, she moved to Nashville in pursuit of her dreams of becoming a professional country singer. She began writing songs when she was 13, eventually writing her debut hit single that year before signing a deal with Black River Entertainment to release her debut album ‘The First Time’ the same year. Since then, she has made history by winning best new female country artist and earning five top 10 albums as her release history was created!
With each release, she has challenged what country music can be. She has even collaborated with genres other than country, such as EDM and pop. In 2022, she released ‘Subject to Change’ featuring a soothing country-pop blend – this album earned her a GRAMMY nomination for best country solo performance!
Pegula Family Entertainment Company is owned by the billionaire Pegula family, who also owns the Buffalo Sabres of the NHL and Buffalo Bills of the NFL. Kim Pegula’s stepbrother Gordon Kerr manages the company. His calming pastoral presence drives his motivation.
Black River Records stands out on Music Row as a throwback with its family atmosphere and modern recording studios, boasting state-of-the-art facilities for recording. Kerr notes that his company’s success rests not solely on money alone but instead relies upon its people.
The label is home to rising country star Kelsea Ballerini and veteran country artist Craig Morgan, as well as Pryor Baird, Ray Fulcher, Josiah Siska, and MaRynn Taylor – plus they own Thrive Management that provides artist management services for Hannah Kerr (Thrive Christian Artist Management)! Additionally, they support music-related organizations like Musicians on Call and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with donations while being an integral part of Nashville through local event sponsorships.
Kelsea Ballerini is a Member of the Grand Ole Opry
Kelsea Ballerini is an inductee of the Grand Ole Opry, one of country music’s premier venues. With an extensive catalog of hits and awards to her credit as well as two billion streams on streaming services, she is also an acclaimed concert performer, frequently filling sold-out arenas around the country and garnering praise from critics for both strong performances and songwriting; also being praised for being able to bridge country and pop music genres together.
Kelsea Ballerini was born in Mascot, Tennessee, and raised in Knoxville where she perfected her musical skills. Her father Ed worked at a country radio station while Carla worked as a sales representative at Thomas Nelson Bible Publishing and a sponsorship company. Both Ed and Carla supported Kelsea’s musical pursuits, so much so that she began performing locally while still in high school; at Central High she sang in choir as well as writing her songs!
Ballerini signed with Black River Entertainment and released her self-titled debut album shortly thereafter, garnering immediate acclaim and garnering her one of CMT’s Next Women of Country honors. Her success continued after the album hit shelves; three consecutive Billboard Country Airplay chart-topping singles (‘Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Dibs,” and “Peter Pan”) also reached #1, cementing her place as one of country music’s leading artist.
With an outstanding career filled with hits and awards, Ballerini was honored to become Nashville’s youngest female Grand Ole Opry member when she was announced into membership via GMA Live and was announced – she even wept when receiving the accolade!
She will release a new album this fall and has already been nominated for several awards, earning critical acclaim and comparisons to Shania Twain.
Personal: She has been dating actor Chase Stokes for a little over a year. Rumors about their romance swirled since January; later confirmed on the Call Her Daddy podcast.
