Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini: Country-Pop Trailblazer and Empowered Storyteller

Early Life and Musical Roots

Kelsea Nicole Ballerini was born on September 12, 1993, in Mascot, Tennessee, and raised in nearby Knoxville. She is the only child of Ed Ballerini, a former country radio programmer of Italian descent, and Carla Denham, a marketing executive in the publishing industry. Kelsea began taking dance lessons at the age of three and continued for ten years. She sang in church and school choirs and wrote her first song at age 12 for her mother. At 15, she moved to Nashville to pursue a music career and later attended Lipscomb University for two years before focusing entirely on music. ​

Breakthrough and Career Milestones

In 2013, at the age of 19, Ballerini signed with Black River Entertainment. Her debut single, "Love Me Like You Mean It," released in 2014, reached number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, making her the first solo female artist to achieve this with a debut single since 2006. She released her debut album, The First Time, in 2015, followed by Unapologetically (2017), Kelsea (2020), and Subject to Change (2022). In 2019, she was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, becoming its youngest member at the time. ​

Recent Projects and Touring

Ballerini's 2024 album, Patterns, marked a new chapter in her career, reflecting on personal growth and self-assessment as she entered her thirties. The album's release was followed by her first headlining arena tour, which began on January 21, 2025, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and concluded on April 13, 2025, in Toronto. During the final show, she experienced a minor fall from a moving stage platform but quickly recovered and continued performing, showcasing her resilience and professionalism. ​

Role on "The Voice"

In 2025, Ballerini joined Season 27 of NBC's The Voice as a coach alongside John Legend, Michael Bublé, and Adam Levine. She had previously appeared on the show in various capacities, including as a battle advisor and a fill-in coach. Her coaching style is noted for its authenticity and supportiveness, and she has expressed a strong bond with her fellow coaches, referring to them as her "three new brothers." ​

Personal Life and Advocacy

Ballerini was married to Australian country singer Morgan Evans from 2017 until their divorce in 2022. She has been in a relationship with actor Chase Stokes since late 2022. Ballerini is known for her advocacy for women's empowerment and LGBTQ+ rights, supporting organizations such as GLAAD and the Born This Way Foundation. In 2021, she published a poetry book titled Feel Your Way Through, exploring themes of self-discovery and personal growth. ​

Legacy and Influence

Kelsea Ballerini's blend of country and pop music, combined with her candid songwriting and dynamic performances, has solidified her status as a leading figure in contemporary country music. Her willingness to share personal experiences through her art continues to resonate with a broad audience, inspiring a new generation of artists and fans alike.