Tag Archives | Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini Shares “News” At 1st Fan Forward Event

By on August 2, 2023 in In The Press, Press Releases

Reveals Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good) at

GRAMMY Museum in Conversation with Director Julie Anne Robinson 

Celebrating the Closing of A Chapter, Creating A Short Film & How Wildly Alive She Feels

Los Angeles): Kelsea Ballerini, the songwriter/performer/producer/director/supernova rising, is having quite the year! Beyond three sold-out legs of her own headlining tour and being sole and direct support to Kenny Chesney, she has released a mainstream country album including “IF YOU GO DOWN (I’M GOIN’ DOWN TOO),” her Top 20 and rising single, released a deeply personal and critically acclaimed in-the-moment Rolling Up The Welcome Mat, performed on Saturday Night Live, was profiled in The New York Times and lived life at the supersonic speed of Kelsea. And she’s taken her fans along for every triumph, bump and laugh along the way.

Kelsea Ballerini pictured with noted director Julie Anne Robinson at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles.

Looking at where she was last year and where she’s heading, the triple-GRAMMY nominee knew the only way to close the door on Welcome Mat was to write the final chapter and resolve the reality of a marriage dissolving with the solidity of moving on. Rather than a talk show or a podcast, the East Tennessee creator expanded Welcome Mat, updated a few songs, added a new one — and announced it all at her first intimate fan gathering at the GRAMMY Museum in Los Angeles.

“Having shared everything with my fans, I knew I wanted to tell them first – and I wanted to tell them,” says the painfully honest writer. “I wanted to be in an intimate space, with them, walking through everything that happened, explaining some of the artistic decisions and letting them know how much their reaction to this music has meant to me.”

Ballerini’s first intimate evening was built around a conversation with noted director Julie Anne Robinson, known for “Bridgerton,” but also “Orange Is the New Black,” “Nurse Jackie,” “Masters of Sex,” “The Good Place,” “Parks & Recreation” and the feature films “One for the Money” and “The Last Song.” The British-born, UK- and American-based filmmaker was on-hand to do a deep dive into the writing, process and reckoning that drove “Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (A Short Film).”

As a double BAFTA and Golden Globe nominee, Robinson created a conversation that offered a strong sense of how life translates into art, the risks and rewards of exposing one’s most faltering and vulnerable moments and the power of creativity to move the healing process along. It was a brisk talk, that also included questions from the audience and Ballerini’s announcement of Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good).

“I wasn’t worried about anything other than presenting the songs as honestly as possible,” the multi-platinum country songstress explained upon release. “Most started with me and my guitar.”

Though originally written and recorded with long-time collaborator Alysa Vanderheym, Ballerini created a place of (self)compassion for everyone. In that spirit, she didn’t want to leave the story in a place where so much was at stake and so little resolved. Beyond announcing the August 11 release of Rolling Up The Welcome Mat (For Good), designed to put this conversation to bed forever, the Black River artist treated the audience to the new “full” version of “Interlude” and performed “Penthouse (Healed Version)” for the full house.

To mark the occasion, Ballerini created very special, limited-edition t-shirts that are available in each market that reveal a new lyric from “Interlude.” As she says of the singular surprise, “Some people wear their hearts on their sleeve, this is a way to wear something that says you grew and came even more into your own on your chest. It’s a wonderful way to tell your truth without saying a word.”

 

 

 

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About Kelsea Ballerini

 

 

 

Kelsea Ballerini has consistently made history. With the release of her debut album The First Time (Black River), she became the “only female country artist to hit #1 with the first three consecutive singles from a debut album.” This history-making feat helped earn the honeyed alto a Best New Artist GRAMMY nomination. She has logged five back-to-back Top 10 entries on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, including the platinum-selling The First Time [2015], gold-selling Unapologetically [2017], gold-selling kelsea [2020], ballerini [2020], and SUBJECT TO CHANGE [2022]. With seven #1 singles and 31 certifications from the RIAA to date, her catalog boasts a string of essential smashes such as the double-platinum “Miss Me More” and “Peter Pan,” platinum-selling “half of my hometown” feat. Kenny Chesney and “hole in the bottle” with Shania Twain, and gold-selling “I Quit Drinking” with LANY. Among dozens of accolades thus far, she has garnered three GRAMMY® Award nominations, won two ACM Awards, picked up two CMA Awards, took home the iHeartRadio Music Awards honor for “Best New Artist,” and received multiple career nominations from the ACM Awards, American Music Awards, CMA Awards, CMT Awards, and People’s Choice Awards. Most recently, Kelsea earned a nomination for “Female Artist of the Year” for the 2023 ACM Awards and the video for her hit single “HEARTFIRST” received a nomination for “Visual Media Of The Year.” She concluded 2021 as the “#3 most-played female artist on country radio” and CMT “Artist of the Year” in addition to picking up “Musical Event of the Year” and “Video of the Year” at the CMA Awards for “half of my hometown.” Kelsea scored a nomination in the category of “Single of the Year” at the 2022 CMA Awards for “half of my hometown,” and she notched a People’s Choice Awards nomination for “Country Artist of 2022.” Kelsea led the field for 2022 CMT Music Awards nominations with three nominations for “Video of The Year,” “Collaborative Video of The Year” and “CMT Performance of The Year.” Not to mention, she snagged a nomination for “Music Event of the Year” for the 2022 ACM Awards as both artist and producer of “half of my hometown.” This marked Kelsea’s first ACM nomination as a producer. Expanding her sphere of influence, she authored her first original book of poetry Feel Your Way Through, and Dolly Parton tapped her to star in the audiobook of Run, Rose, Run. In April 2022, Kelsea co-hosted the CMT Awards on CBS nationwide. On top of this, the multi-platinum country superstar was named the newest face of COVERGIRL. She has joined the brand in a multi-year partnership and is set to launch a cosmetic collaboration with the brand in 2023. She was inducted as a member of the famed Grand Ole Opry in 2019. At the time, she notably became the Opry’s youngest member in its nearly 100-year history since being founded in 1925.  With these accolades, it is no wonder NPR proclaimed, “Kelsea Ballerini is definitely one of the most influential women in country right now… she’s defining the sound of the genre.” Kelsea’s fourth album, SUBJECT TO CHANGE, arrived on September 23, 2022. The first single “HEARTFIRST,” quickly took over airwaves as the “most added song at country radio” the week of its release and was recently certified gold by the RIAA. Most recently, Kelsea earned a GRAMMY® nomination for “Best Country Solo Performance” for “HEARTFIRST.” Kelsea surprised fans with the release of her intimate six-song Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (Black River) on February 14, 2023. Welcome Mat, along with an accompanying short film written and directed by Ballerini, marks the multi-platinum star’s most intimate and honest work to date. The project became an instant hit with fans and debuted to universal acclaim from critics including The New York Times, Variety, Rolling Stone and more. On the heels of Welcome Mat’s success, Kelsea made her Saturday Night Live debut on March 4, 2023. She recently wrapped a stint as special guest on Kenny Chesney’s I Go Back 2023 Tour as well as the sold-out third leg of her exclusive headlining HEARTFIRST Tour. Kelsea Ballerini is ready to continue making history in 2023 and beyond.

 

 

 

 

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Kelsea Ballerini Shows A Rawness, Vulnerability, And Growth In Short Film

By on February 28, 2023 in artist spotlight, Music, The Latest

This short film from Kelsea Ballerini is next level for her all around. I’ve always enjoyed her music, but this shows a growth, rawness, and vulnerability that will resonate with a lot of people.

We’ve seen the playful and fun side of Kelsea in her early twenties that garnered so much praise.  Now, we have a glimpse at the woman she is becoming as she leaves her twenties behind along with the end of her marriage as she carves herself a new path bravely forward.

Can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented artist!

 

 

 

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Superstars Kelsea Ballerini And Kane Brown To host “2021 CMT Music Awards” On Wednesday, June 9th At 8p/7c

By on May 12, 2021 in In The Press, Press Releases

Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini set to host the 2021 CMT Music Awards. Photo credit: John Shearer/Getty Images

NASHVILLE — (May 12) — CMT today announced country superstars Kelsea Ballerini and Kane Brown will take the stage as hosts of the “2021 CMT Music Awards,” country music’s only entirely fan-voted award show, airing Wednesday, June 9th at 8p/7c on CMT. The show will also air as a five network simulcast across the following MTV Entertainment Group brands: MTV, MTV2, Logo, Paramount Network and TV Land. This year marks Ballerini’s first time hosting the CMT Music Awards, as Brown returns for his second consecutive year.

 

“Kelsea and Kane are two of the brightest, most sought-after stars in country music today and we’re thrilled to welcome them both as hosts of the 2021 CMT Music Awards,” shared CMT producers. “This dynamic duo reflects the show’s revitalized energy as live music returns to center stage in a night filled with incredible outdoor performances, cross-genre collaborations and a few surprises!”

Ballerini adds: “I’m so excited to be hosting the 2021 CMT Music Awards with Kane! The CMT Awards are so special because they are truly fan voted. Following a year plus where we have not been able to be with the fans and share music together, will make this night even more special.”

 

Shared Brown: “I loved getting a chance to host the CMT Music Awards last year and I’m excited to be back this year with Kelsea. The CMT Music Awards are special to me – it’s the first industry award I won and getting on that stage was an amazing feeling. I love that the fans get to have their voices heard as we celebrate the best in country music.”

Kane Brown and Kelsea Ballerini set to host the 2021 CMT Music Awards in Nashville.
Photo credit: John Shearer/Getty Images

Nominations for the “2021 CMT Music Awards” will be announced tomorrow, Thursday, May 13th at 11a/10c, in tandem with the start of fan voting at vote.cmt.com. Voting will run through Tuesday, June 1st at 12p/11c. Performers and presenters will be announced at a later date.

“2021 CMT Music Awards” is executive produced by CMT’s Margaret Comeaux, Switched On Entertainment’s John Hamlin and Amy Lin Johnson; the Executives in Charge of Production are Jackie Barba and Heather D. Graffagnino.

 

For more information, visit CMT.com, follow @CMT on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, use hashtag #CMTawards and ‘like’ the CMT Music Awards on Facebook.

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Kelsea Ballerini set to host the 2021 CMT Music Awards. Photo credit: John Shearer/Getty Images

About Kelsea Ballerini:
Kelsea Ballerini is recognized as one of the most influential women in country music today and has consistently made history since the start of her career. Following the release of her debut album, she became the only female country artist to hit #1 with the first three consecutive singles from a debut album. She has platinum and gold album certifications, a career total of eleven gold and platinum singles certifications and has accumulated total streams exceeding 3 billion to date. Ballerini has garnered two GRAMMY® Award nominations, won two ACM Awards and has also received multiple career nominations from the ACM Awards, American Music Awards, CMA Awards, CMT Awards and the People’s Choice Awards. Most recently, she received a 2021 ACM Award nomination for “Female Artist of the Year” and was also welcomed as the Grand Ole Opry’s youngest current member.

 

Kelsea Ballerini released two acclaimed albums in lockdown last year. In March of 2020, she debuted her self-titled third album kelsea (Black River Entertainment). Her most personal effort to date, the album was met with critical praise, including from NPR who opined, “Kelsea Ballerini is definitely one of the most influential women in country right now… she’s defining the sound of the genre.” The debut single from the album, “homecoming queen?”, which the New York Times deemed “excellent,” was certified platinum, marking her fastest single to achieve this milestone yet. Her third single from the album, “hole in the bottle” recently reached Gold RIAA certification and earned Kelsea her sixth #1. Her latest single from the release, “half of my hometown” features a special guest vocal appearance from eight-time Entertainer of the Year and fellow East Tennessee songwriter/superstar Kenny Chesney. While under quarantine, Ballerini created the second half of that story, ballerini. On this album, she carefully deconstructed each song from the kelsea album and re-recorded everything with minimal accompaniment. Co-producing the release, Ballerini showed another side of herself with this reimagined take, highlighting the lyrical power of kelsea as she stripped all of the songs down to the bare essentials.

Kane Brown set to host the 2021 CMT Music Awards. Photo credit: John Shearer/Getty Images

About Kane Brown:
Noted as the “future of Country” (Billboard) and one of “31 People Changing the South” (Time), the chart-topping entertainer recently earned his first ACM Album of the Year nomination for Mixtape Vol. 1, as well as a Video of the Year win for his anthem “Worldwide Beautiful.” Brown first broke through the country charts with his #1 self-titled debut, which spent 13 weeks at the top of the chart and made Brown the first artist in Billboard history to Top all 5 Billboard Country charts simultaneously. That same year Brown earned three AMA Awards and produced two of the most streamed country songs of all time–the 7X platinum #1 hits “Heaven” and “What Ifs.” Brown’s sophomore album Experiment debuted #1 on the Billboard 200 all-genre chart and solidified Brown as the only male country artist in more than 24 years to debut at the top of the Billboard 200. Experiment produced back-to-back #1 hits and was ranked by The New York Times as one of the Top 10 Best Albums of the Year. His latest project, Mixtape Vol. 1 features Brown’s Top 10 pop radio hit “Be Like That” featuring Khalid and Swae Lee, his co-written duet “Last Time I Say Sorry” with John Legend, and his current hit at Country radio “Worship You.” Brown recently announced his Blessed & Free Tour, where he will headline all the NBA arenas in one tour-a first in music. Blessed & Free marks the first tour for Brown since his Worldwide Beautiful Tour, which earned critical praise during its international run.

About CMT:

CMT is the leading authority on country music and lifestyle, offering a mix of original series, music events and specials. CMT is everywhere its fans are including two cable channels (CMT and the 24-hour music channel, CMT Music), radio (CMT Radio), digital (CMT.com) and social (@CMT on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter andYouTube). CMT is a unit of ViacomCBS Inc. (Nasdaq: VIACA, VIAC) (“ViacomCBS”). For more information, please visit cmtpress.com.

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Kelsea Ballerini’s “Club”: E! Set To Showcase First Look Of Music Video Before Taking The Stage Tonight @ E! People’s Choice Awards

By on November 10, 2019 in In The Press, Press Releases

November 10, 2019 (Nashville, TN) – Two-time GRAMMY® Award-nominated multiplatinum songstress Kelsea Ballerini has debuted new track “club” and is set to perform the song live TONIGHT at E! People’s Choice Awards across the cable networks of NBCUniversal, including Bravo, E!, SYFY and USA Network from 9:00-11:00pm ET/PT. E! is also set to showcase an exclusive first look of the song’s new music video, directed by Blythe Thomas, today both on television and online before the Awards this evening.
Click HERE to listen to “club” Click HERE to view “club”
Kelsea’s current single “homecoming queen?” debuted #32 on the Billboard’s Country Airplay chart and secured 107 total adds, marking the highest debut of her career. The single is currently Top 25 on both Billboard’s Country Airplay chart and Mediabase chart, and continues to be her fastest climbing single to date.

About Kelsea Ballerini As an undeniable vocalist, songwriter, and performer, Kelsea Ballerini elevates country for a new era with emotional songcraft, poignant honesty, and classic grace. Since her gold-certified 2015 full-length debut The First Time, she has consistently made history. By 2019, she became the only female country artist to achieve three consecutive #1 songs from a debut album, notched a total of five number ones with the platinum “Miss Me More,” and the Grand Ole Opry welcomed her as their youngest current member. Not to mention, she garnered two GRAMMY® Award nominations, won two ACM Awards, and took home the iHeartRadio Music Awards honor for “Best New Artist.”
2017’s Unapologetically marked her second Top 5 debut on the Billboard Top 200. With multiple platinum singles, her total streams exceed two billion to date. In addition to touring alongside everyone from Kelly Clarkson to Keith Urban, she ascended to an arena headliner on the Miss Me More Tour. Ballerini’s recently released new single “homecoming queen?” marked her highest debut of her career on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart with 107 total adds. The single also debuted at No. 32 on the chart – also marking her HIGHEST debut to date. This has all paved the way for her third full-length, to be released in 2020, which promises to be her most personal yet.     Follow Kelsea:Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

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Kelsea Ballerini To Receive Nashville Symphony Harmony Award

By on October 14, 2019 in In The Press, Press Releases

Country star to perform at 35th annual Symphony Ball on December 14;

Symphony President & CEO Alan D. Valentine will also receive honorary Harmony Award

Nashville, Tenn. (October 14, 2019) – Laura Kimbrell and Amy Jackson Smith, chairmen of the 2019 Symphony Ball fundraiser, have announced that country music recording artist Kelsea Ballerini will receive the 2019 Nashville Symphony Harmony Award.

Ballerini will receive the award and perform during the 35th annual Symphony Ball on Saturday, December 14, 2019, at Schermerhorn Symphony Center. Presented annually by the Symphony and selected by a dedicated committee, the Harmony Award recognizes individuals who exemplify the harmonious spirit of Nashville’s musical community.

“Few artists can boast of such a meteoric rise to start their career like Kelsea Ballerini, who has already had an incredible impact on country music, thanks to her unique talent and a string of history-making hits,” said Kimbrell. “A strong, confident woman who serves as a wonderful role model – not to mention a native Tennessean who Music City is proud to call one of its own – Kelsea is a worthy addition to the prestigious list of past Harmony Award winners, and we can’t wait for her performance at the Symphony Ball in December.”

Kimbrell and Jackson Smith also announced that Symphony president and CEO Alan D. Valentine will be presented with an honorary Harmony Award at the event, in recognition of his 20-plus years of service to the organization and the Middle Tennessee community.

“Alan’s passion, dedication and leadership over the past two decades has expanded the Nashville Symphony’s footprint in Middle Tennessee, while also helping to significantly elevate its profile across the country and around the world,” noted Jackson Smith. “It is fitting that on a night when we’re honoring one of music’s rising stars, we’re also recognizing a veteran like Alan for his invaluable contributions to both the Nashville Symphony and our entire community.”

Since her Gold-certified, full-length debut The First Time in 2015, Ballerini has consistently made history while elevating country music for a new era. The vocalist, songwriter and performer is the only female country artist ever to achieve three consecutive No. 1 songs from a debut album, and her total streams to date exceed 2 billion. In addition to earning two GRAMMY® nominations, Ballerini has won two Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards and iHeartRadio’s Best New Artist Award, and was welcomed by the Grand Ole Opry as its youngest current member.

Ballerini’s 2017 release Unapologetically marked her second Top 5 debut on the Billboard Top 200, and in addition to touring alongside everyone from Kelly Clarkson to Keith Urban, she ascended to an arena headliner on The Miss Me More Tour. Ballerini’s newest single, “homecoming queen?,” continues to climb the country charts, with her third full-length release slated for 2020 on Black River Entertainment.

Valentine joined the Nashville Symphony in June 1998 and has presided over an unprecedented period of growth for the organization, highlighted by construction of the world-renowned Schermerhorn Symphony Center in 2006, as well as 13 GRAMMY® Awards and 24 GRAMMY® nominations, more than 30 critically acclaimed recordings, two Carnegie Hall performances, an East Coast tour, an Emmy Award-winning television broadcast and numerous national radio appearances. He has overseen two capital and endowment campaigns that generated more than $145 million, and under his leadership, the Symphony has repeatedly set new records for ticket sales and fundraising in recent years. 

The Symphony Ball is Nashville’s premier winter social event and one of the Nashville Symphony’s two annual fundraisers. Since its inception in 1985, the Ball has raised millions for the Symphony, sustaining the organization’s mission of inspiring, entertaining, educating and serving through excellence in musical performance.     

Past recipients of the Harmony Award include Chet Atkins, Mike and Linda Curb, Rascal Flatts, Béla Fleck, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, Wynonna and Naomi Judd, Toby Keith, Miranda Lambert, Lyle Lovett, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Dolly Parton, LeAnn Rimes, Michael W. Smith, Marty Stuart, Taylor Swift, Steven Tyler, Carrie Underwood, Keith Urban, Steve Winwood and Trisha Yearwood.

The GRAMMY® Award-winning Nashville Symphony has earned an international reputation for its innovative programming and its commitment to performing, recording and commissioning works by America’s leading composers. The Nashville Symphony has released more than 30 recordings on Naxos, which have received 24 GRAMMY® nominations and 13 GRAMMY® Awards, making it one of the most active recording orchestras in the country. The orchestra has also released recordings on Decca, Deutsche Grammophon and New West Records, among other labels. With more than 140 performances annually, the orchestra offers a broad range of classical, pops and jazz, and children’s concerts, while its extensive education and community engagement programs reached 45,000 children and adults during the 2018/19 season.

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“CMT Crossroads” Celebrates Its 70th Episode With Superstar Pairing Of Halsey And Kelsea Ballerini In One Of Its Largest Outdoor Tapings Ever On Friday, October 11 In Nashville

By on October 4, 2019 in Press Releases

Pair to Perform Together for the First Time Live at Ascend Amphitheater in Downtown Nashville

“CMT Crossroads: Halsey & Kelsea Ballerini” to Premiere Early 2020 

NASHVILLE – October 3, 2019 – CMT has announced the 70th episode taping of its critically-acclaimed music series “CMT Crossroads,” featuring global superstars Halsey & Kelsea Ballerini. The two will take the stage together for the first time ever during a special, open-to-the-public taping of “CMT Crossroads” at the Ascend Amphitheater in downtown Nashville on Friday, October 11. The episode will premiere on CMT in early 2020.

“I feel so fortunate to have a friend like Kelsea. She is a spectacular talent and an even better human being. It’s been an honor to watch from the sidelines as she has trailblazed country music the past few years. Her songs make me laugh and cry and put every single window down in the car,” said Halsey. “The first stage Kelsea and I ever shared together was a 3 foot karaoke dance floor right in Nashville. We’ve sang together in my living room, in her kitchen, in the back seat of cars in drive through lines late at night. And this time we get to get on a real stage, one of the most iconic stages in history, and do the thing we love the most in front of a city that is so dear to both of us.”

“From hearing ‘Colors’ for the first time years ago to her playing the first cut of ‘Without Me’ in my living room last year, I’ve always been a superfan of Halsey. Her songwriting has a way of painting the most beautiful pictures and telling the most emotional of stories, and after becoming fast friends over wine and karaoke nights, I can’t think of anyone I’d rather share the CMT Crossroads stage with. We’re going to bring a little pop, a little country, a big love of songwriting, and no doubt some sass to Nashville next week,” shared Ballerini. 

The all-ages show will be general admission; ticketing details to be released in the days prior. For more information, visit Crossroads.CMT.com.

The success of “Without Me” has made Halsey the first and only female artist to have at least three songs chart on the Billboard Hot 100 for 50 weeks each. Rounding out the trio of songs are the 2x Platinum “Eastside,” her collaboration with Benny Blanco and Khalid, and The Chainsmokers’ 10x Platinum “Closer,” which she featured on. “Without Me” spent two weeks at No. 1 on the Hot 100 in early 2019, marking her first solo single to reach the top spot. It now ranks as the longest-running Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit by a female artist of this century. She is the first artist to rank at Nos. 1 and 2 simultaneously on Billboard’s Hot 100 Pop Songs radio airplay chart. In March 2019, Halsey became the first artist in history to replace herself at No. 1 twice on the U.S. Pop Songs Airplay chart when “Without Me” returned to No. 1, bumping “Eastside” from the top spot. “Without Me” is the most-played song of 2019 at U.S. radio.

Since 2015, Halsey has amassed over 23 billion streams worldwide and sold more than nine million adjusted albums globally. She has played sold out dates on five continents (including New York City’s Madison Square Garden), been nominated for a GRAMMY and appeared on a wide variety of magazine covers, including Rolling Stone, Cosmopolitan, NYLON, Forbes, Playboy and Billboard. Her 2015 debut album, BADLANDS, was certified Platinum by the RIAA within one year of its release. Halsey claimed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 with 2017’s Platinum-certified hopeless fountain kingdom, which contained such hits as the 2x Platinum “Now or Never” and the 4x Platinum “Bad at Love.” She featured on BTS’ Platinum hit, “Boy With Luv” and, most recently, alongside Future on “Die for Me,” a track from Post Malone’s new album. She recently won the Hal David Starlight Award, presented by the Songwriters Hall of Fame, plus a VMA and two Teen Choice Awards. Her new single, “Graveyard,” amassed more than 50 million combined global streams in its first two weeks of release. The song was #1 Most Added at Top 40 radio and topped Spotify’s Today’s Top Hits playlist. Halsey celebrated her birthday by sharing a new song, “clementine,” and the accompanying music video. The track is from her new album, Manic, which will be released on January 17, 2020 on Capitol Records.

Halsey continues to push creative boundaries, expanding her influence and impact beyond music. After making her film debut in the animated 2018 summer movie Teen Titans GO! as the voice of Wonder Woman, she was seen in A Star is Born, starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga. She continues to use her voice to speak up for causes she passionately believes in, including disenfranchised youth, women’s rights, mental health and the LGBTQ community. GLAAD honored her in 2018 as “Outstanding Music Artist.”

As an undeniable vocalist, songwriter, and performer, Kelsea Ballerini elevates country for a new era with emotional songcraft, poignant honesty, and classic grace. Her new single “homecoming queen?” is climbing the charts at Country radio and has already earned more than 18 million streams and 2.8 million music video views. Since her gold-certified 2015 full-length debut The First Time, she has consistently made history. By 2019, she became the only female country artist to achieve three consecutive #1 songs from a debut album, notched a total of five number ones with the platinum “Miss Me More,” and the Grand Ole Opry welcomed her as their youngest current member. Not to mention, she garnered two GRAMMY® Award nominations, won two ACM Awards, and took home the iHeartRadio Music Awards honor for “Best New Artist.” 2017’s Unapologetically marked her second Top 5 debut on the Billboard Top 200. With multiple platinum singles, her total streams exceed two billion to date. In addition to touring alongside everyone from Kelly Clarkson to Keith Urban, she ascended to an arena headliner on The Miss Me More Tour. Everything paved the way for her third full-length, which promises to be her most personal yet, expected in 2020 on Black River Entertainment.

“CMT Crossroads” shows the far-reaching roots of country music by pairing country artists with musicians from other genres. Each episode features a different set of stars playing together, swapping stories and sharing their common love of music. The series debuted January 13, 2002 with Elvis Costello and Lucinda Williams and since has showcased dream musical partnerships including Ray Charles and Travis Tritt; Bon Jovi and Sugarland; Kelly Clarkson and Reba McEntire; Def Leppard and Taylor Swift; Sting and Vince Gill; John Mayer and Keith Urban; Steven Tylerand Carrie Underwood; Stevie Nicks and Lady Antebellum; Katy Perry and Kacey Musgraves; Alicia Keys and Maren Morris to name a few.

“CMT Crossroads” is produced by CMT’s Margaret Comeaux and Switched On Entertainment’s John Hamlin. For more information, visit CMT.com, check out CMT Crossroads on Facebook, on YouTube at YouTube.com/CMTcrossroads and use the hashtag #CMTcrossroads.

About CMT:

CMT is the leading authority on country music and lifestyle, offering a mix of original series, music events and specials. CMT is everywhere its fans are including two cable channels (CMT and the 24-hour music channel, CMT Music), radio (CMT Radio), digital (CMT App, CMT.com) and social (CMT on Facebook, CMT on Instagram and CMT on Twitter). CMT is a unit of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB). For more information, please visit CMT Press at cmtpress.com.

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Kelsea Ballerini Gets Emotional As She Talks About What The Opry Means To Her And Becomes An Opry Member

By on April 17, 2019 in Music, Special Events

Kelsea Ballerini talking to the press in Studio A attached to the backstage of the Opry prior to her induction.

It was a night filled with emotion and excitement Tuesday night at the Grand Ole Opry, as 25-year-old Kelsea Ballerini prepared to become the newest and youngest member of the Opry.

Opry member and superstar, Carrie Underwood, graciously was there to officially induct and welcome Ballerini to the Opry family.  Following the 3-song set by Kelsea Ballerini and then Underwood coming onto the stage for the induction, the two sang Trisha Yearwood’s iconic country hit, “Walkaway Joe”, together to the delight of the audience and backstage onlookers alike watching from the sides and pews in the back on stage.

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Opry member and just named ACM Entertainer of the Year, Keith Urban, was also on hand to welcome Ballerini to the Opry family and made a special surprise appearance to perform in the hallowed circle on the Opry stage.

Prior to Kelsea Ballerini’s induction later that night, she took the time to speak with the press in attendance about what the night meant to her and more.  She spoke with such humility and was filled with such emotion over the meaning of being inducted to the Opry, stopping once to cry in happiness.   Only 4 years after making her Opry debut, being invited to become an Opry member is something quite incredible in any country artist’s career.   The young country star has captured the hearts of fans and the music community alike with her infectious smile and enthusiasm.  It was very obvious this was a night that dreams are made of for her and she could not have been more grateful to be there stating that, “30 years from now” after she is no longer being played regularly on the radio or wherever life takes her that “I can always come here and I can always play country music”.   

Afterwards, there was a celebration backstage in Studio A that connects to the Opry backstage area and was the original home of the “Hee Haw” set and so much more.  Kelsea Ballerini and all her guests that included family, her record label, and more enjoyed a tasty Mexican food theme in a purple lit and decorated room. (I have feeling purple is probably her favorite color and why it was chosen as the theme for the night.)  It was also Taco Tuesday, after all, so we all enjoyed some delicious tacos and more along with the special “Miss Me More” margaritas aptly-named in honor of Ballerina’s most recent hit off her sophomore album entitled, UNAPOLOGETICALLY.  Fans will be happy to know that she is already working on her third album as we speak, so new music should be on the way very soon.

Being a member of the Opry is forever and it is truly like a family, where the Opry family members and their guests can gather and catch up backstage at the Grand Ole Opry in the Family Room just next to the entrance/exit to the stage.  The Family Room is decorated beautifully with plenty of comfortable chairs and couches to visit while watching the show from backstage.  Photos of special Opry moments throughout the years fill all the walls along with a pretty mural depicting the Opry stage.   On the wall shows where the food waters reached several years ago during the Nashville Flood that devastated so many in Nashville and damaged many structures including the Opry as several feet of flood water from the nearby river filled the hallowed Opry House throughout the structure.  Guests can sip on lemonade, coffee, and tea while they munch on some freshly-made popcorn (nothing alcoholic is served in the Family Room or inside the dressing rooms of the Opry).

Afterwards, we all gathered in Studio A again as Kelsea Ballerini and Opry President Sally Williams spoke briefly.  Then, Ballerini was presented with a framed Hatch Print specially made to remember this special moment in her life and career just before cutting the large cake that was made to celebrate the occasion.  According to Opry President Sally Williams, “we love cake at the Opry”.  Doesn’t everyone? You just can’t properly enjoy a special occasion without cutting into some cake.  Glad to hear you can often have cake if backstage at the Opry.  I can attest to this Opry fact.  Just the few times I have been fortunate enough to be backstage there, I have enjoyed some cake more than once!

Congratulations to Kelsea Ballerini on such an incredible honor! The Opry is truly like a family filled with rich tradition and reverence towards remembering country’s rich roots while looking forward to the future bringing new artists into the Opry family fold.

Even as just a guest and member of the press, I feel the electricity when I step backstage at the Opry and stand sidestage.  I know I will never sing in the circle on that iconic stage or sit in one of their beautifully-decorated dressing rooms that each have different themes and appropriately named after some Opry legends awaiting my turn to take the stage, but I still feel so honored when I am invited to come backstage and to get to be there for such a special and magical occasion makes it even better.  I might have gotten a little emotional a time or two myself last night as I helped celebrate her special achievement.

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Kelsea Ballerini Becomes Newest Member Of Grand Ole Opry

By on April 17, 2019 in In The Press, Music, Special Events

Kelsea Ballerini becomes newest member of the Grand Ole Opry
l to r: Grand Ole Opry’s Sally Williams, Black River Entertainment’s Kim and Terry Pegula, Kelsea Ballerini, Black River Entertainment’s Gordon Kerr, Sandbox Entertainment’s Jason Owen and Black River Entertainment’s Rick Froio
Photo credit:
Photo courtesy Grand Ole Opry LLC. Chris Hollo, photographer

Kelsea Ballerini was inducted as the newest and youngest current member of the Grand Ole Opry tonight by Carrie Underwood, an Opry member since 2008.

Surprising the sold-out Opry House crowd after Ballerini had performed a three-song set, Underwood took the stage and said to Ballerini, “You have accomplished so much in your career, and you will undoubtedly accomplish infinite amounts more in your life. Awards, number ones, sales … this is better than all of that. This is the heart and soul of country music.”

Presenting Ballerini with her Opry member award, Underwood cheered, “I am honored to introduce and induct the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, Kelsea Ballerini.”

After recounting her first visit to the Opry as a fan, her 2015 Opry debut, and subsequent Opry appearances, Ballerini held her award close and said, “Grand Ole Opry, thanks for seeing something in me and for believing that I’ll always love you like I do because I do, and I will.”

Ballerini and Underwood then teamed up for a duet on 20-year Opry member Trisha Yearwood’s 1992 hit “Walkaway Joe.”

Earlier in the night, CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year Keith Urban, an Opry member since 2012, also made a surprise appearance to deliver congratulations to Ballerini and to perform his hit “Blue Isn’t Your Color.” Later in the show, Country Music Hall of Famer and 1991 Opry inductee Vince Gill surprised the audience yet again by joining in with his friends the Del McCoury Band during the group’s portion of the show.

Opry group Little Big Town surprised Ballerini last month with an invitation to join the Opry family during an on-stage collaboration on the award-winning song “Girl Crush.”

“We are incredibly pleased to welcome Kelsea Ballerini into the Opry family,” said Opry General Manager Sally Williams. “As evidenced by the enthusiasm of the Opry members here tonight and the fans in the crowd, Kelsea and her music are much loved. She and her fellow members who made tonight so special show that the future of both country music and the Opry are in good hands.”

Among artists scheduled for the Opry in the coming weeks include Trace Adkins, Kelsea Ballerini, Charlie Daniels Band, Terri Clark, Del McCoury Band, Lindsay Ell, Vince Gill, Chris Janson, Martina McBride, Ashley McBryde, Craig Morgan, Old Crow Medicine Show, Carrie Underwood, Mark Wills, Wynonna, Chris Young, and more.

About Kelsea Ballerini:

Two-time GRAMMY nominee Kelsea Ballerini is the only female artist in Country music history, including female duos and groups, to claim #1 with her first three consecutive singles: PLATINUM-certified, #1 smashes – “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Dibs,” “Peter Pan,” from a debut album [GOLD-certified breakout THE FIRST TIME]. Nominated for Best Country Album at the 61st GRAMMY Awards, her acclaimed sophomore album, UNAPOLOGETICALLY, includes #1 hit “Legends” as a part of the original 12-track compilation all written or co-written by Ballerini. UNAPOLOGETICALLY (Deluxe Edition) features four fresh tracks including her collaboration with The Chainsmokers, “This Feeling,” which they performed during the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. With over 90 million streams globally, her current single “Miss Me More” is the award-winning singer-songwriter’s fastest-rising single to date on Country radio. The Black River Entertainment artist just supported Kelly Clarkson’s MEANING OF LIFE TOUR and is now on her first-ever headline arena trek – THE MISS ME MORE TOUR – with Brett Young (plus special guest Brandon Ratcliff).

About The Grand Ole Opry:

The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®.  Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, with Tuesday night shows running through December, Wednesday night shows returning this spring, and seasonal Opry Country Classics shows on Thursdays. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn.  Celebrating nine decades of entertainment, the Opry can be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and its flagship home, 650 AM-WSM. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP).  For more information, visit opry.com.

PHOTOS CREDIT:

Photo courtesy Grand Ole Opry LLC. Chris Hollo, photographer

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Kelsea Ballerini Invited To Join The Grand Ole Opry

By on March 5, 2019 in In The Press

Kelsea Ballerini surprised at end of performance
of “Girl Crush” with Opry group Little Big Town inviting
her to join the Grand Ole Opry
Photo courtesy Grand Ole Opry LLC. Chris Hollo, photographer

NASHVILLE,Tenn. – (March 5, 2019) – Kelsea Ballerini was surprised on Tuesday night’s show by Opry group Little Big Town with an invitation to become an official Grand Ole Opry member. After Ballerini performed her segment, Little Big Town took the stage to close out the show, inviting Ballerini back to perform the group’s hit “Girl Crush” with them. As the song concluded, the band changed its final lyrics to “Kelsea Ballerini, do you wanna join the Opry?”

“Yes,” Ballerini exclaimed, “I’m gonna pass out I think!” Collecting her thoughts, Ballerini recalled having visited the Opry at age 13 with her mother and knowing then that she wanted to support the Opry, even if only as a fan. “To be on this stage is the greatest gift in the world,” she said. “This is the home of country music, and I get to be a part of it.”

“For the rest of your life,” Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild added.

Ballerini’s formal Opry induction is set for Tuesday, April 16.

“We are thrilled at the thought of Kelsea Ballerini joining the Opry family,” said Opry General Manager Sally Williams. “So many of us at the Opry have been fans of her recordings, her songwriting, and her live performances since she played the Opry for the very first time. Having grown to know her personally in the years since, we love and respect her just as much as a person as an artist. We look so forward to her Opry induction in April and to all the years of great music we’ll share.”

About Kelsea Ballerini:
Two-time GRAMMY nominee Kelsea Ballerini is the only female artist in Country music history, including female duos and groups, to claim #1 with her first three consecutive singles; PLATINUM-certified, #1 smashes – “Love Me Like You Mean It,” “Dibs,” “Peter Pan,” from a debut album [GOLD-certified breakout THE FIRST TIME]. Nominated for Best Country Album at the 61st GRAMMY Awards, her acclaimed sophomore album, UNAPOLOGETICALLY, includes #1 hit “Legends” as a part of the original 12-track compilation all written or co-written by Ballerini. UNAPOLOGETICALLY (Deluxe Edition) includes four new tracks including her collaboration with The Chainsmokers, “This Feeling,” which they performed during the 2018 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. With over 75 million streams globally, her current single “Miss Me More” is the award-winning songwriter-artist’s fastest rising single to date on Country radio. The Black River Entertainment artist is now supporting Kelly Clarkson’s MEANING OF LIFE TOUR, before breaking out on her own for her first-ever headline arena trek – THE MISS ME MORE TOUR – with Brett Young (plus special guest Brandon Ratcliff) this spring. Visit KelseaBallerini.com and reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

About The Grand Ole Opry:

The Grand Ole Opry® is presented by Humana®.  Opry performances are held every Friday and Saturday of the year, with Tuesday night shows running through December, Wednesday night shows returning this spring, and seasonal Opry Country Classics shows on Thursdays. To plan an Opry visit, call (800) SEE-OPRY or visit opry.com. The Opry presents the best in country music live every week from Nashville, Tenn.  Celebrating nine decades of entertainment, the Opry can be heard at opry.com and wsmonline.com, Opry and WSM mobile apps, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, and its flagship home, 650 AM-WSM. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP).  For more information, visit opry.com.

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Chris Young Sells Out Hometown Arena Show

By on September 28, 2018 in Music, Special Events, The Latest

Chris Young and nearly 14,000 fans from his sold-out headlining show
at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on September 22, 2018
Photo credit Jeff Johnson

On Saturday, September 22nd, Chris Young along with tour mates, Kane Brown and Morgan Evans, brought their LOSING SLEEP tour to Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena to play a sold out show.

You could feel the energy in the air with this enthusiastic crowd as they sang along, danced, and lit up their phones in response to hit songs by all 3 of the artists, especially Chris Young who headlined the concert.

Starting out the evening was Australian artist Morgan Evans signed to Warner Music Nashville.  Evans was joined onstage by his “American band”, which consists of him, a guitar, and foot pedals to control pre-recorded loops.  The result is he sounds just like he is playing with a full band only it is just him.

Fans sang along with Evans to his recent first number one hit, “Kiss Somebody”, and roared with excitement as he welcomed Kelsea Ballerini to the stage to sing a duet with him.  The newly-weds both beamed at each other under the bright concert lights and blended their harmonies perfectly together.

Sony Nashville’s Kane Brown was the next to take the stage with his full band.  It was clear that many in the audience were there to see Brown as they cheered loudly and sang along to many of his songs.  Brown gave an energetic performance along with his high energy band.  He was urged back to the stage by fans at the conclusion of his set for an encore when he sang his 2 biggest hits to date, “What If’s” and “Heaven”.  The crowd went wild for both.

Finally, the energy in the arena built to a palpable level that you could literally feel as the stage crew prepared the huge stage for the headliner, Sony Music’s longtime artist Chris Young, to perform.  As concert goers eagerly-awaited Young to take to the stage, the arena’s video camera zoomed in randomly around the audience showing couples kissing and people dancing up & down the aisles.

The crowd reached a frenzied level as the lights went down to reveal a high tech video opener that concluded with the covers over the tops of all the musicial instruments being lifted from above the stage revealing Young and his band as he opened appropriately with “Losing Sleep”.

Young sang hit after hit from his large catalog to his hometown audience since he grew up just outside of Nashville in Murfreesboro and attended Belmont University.  He smiled and beamed the whole night as he seemingly enjoyed every minute of it up soaking it all in as the crowd cheered in delight every time he simply stepped towards his microphone before he could even utter a lyric.

For years, Chris Young has worked towards this moment making his way through the Nashville music scene as a teenager “paying his dues” playing small venues like the French Quarter in east Nashville, which now is The Crying Wolf, and El Chico’s Mexican restaurant on Murfreesboro Rd. several years before it closed down where he was asked to play cover songs performing for tips only.  He has come a long way since then and has worked tirelessly for years to get to this level in his career, which shows no signs of slowing down.

Performing in the largest venue in Nashville, next to Nissan Stadium, to a sold out crowd inside Bridgestone Arena for his own headlining tour must have felt like a dream come true for the humble artist that night.  A dream that he has worked especially hard for since he was a teenager as he honed his skills in performing and songwriting.  This was a well-deserved moment for a very deserving, hardworking artist.

Chris Young and surprise guest Cassadee Pope after performing their ACM and Grammy nominated duet, “Think Of You” at Young’s sold-out headlining show
from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on September 22, 2018
Photo credit Jeff Johnson

Young was joined on stage by special guest, the talented Cassadee Pope, for their #1 hit, “Think Of Us”.   Later, he was joined by longtime label mate, Brad Paisley, to sing Paisley’s hit, “I’m Still A Guy”.  It was a playful moment to go along with a playful song as they had a little fun with a woman in the front row as they held on to her cellphone she eagerly handed to them.  Wondering to themselves as they took some selfies: “what a female in Nashville might have on her phone”.  They both playfully perused her phone scrolling through pictures and who she last called.  Then they decided to call back her last number dialed leaving a message on that person’s voicemail.  Finally handing the phone back to the excited audience member as they finished the song out.  Just guys being guys, only on a stage in front of nearly 14,000 adoring fans.

Chris Young and surprise guest Brad Paisley performed “I’m Still A Guy” at Young’s sold-out headlining show from Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on September 22, 2018
Photo courtesy Bridgestone Arena

Young stated that he could play all night to this crowd as he performed until after 11pm for a 17 song set, posed for a fun photo of him and the sold out crowd, and smashing an acoustic guitar (stating that he had never done that before) on stage before ending the night a couple of songs later.

It was a night filled with great music and memories.  All the rain outside could not dampen anyone’s spirits that evening and Young, along with his tour mates, shined brightly like the sun that was missing from outside behind the clouds inside the arena.

It was a night of celebrations as the LOSING SLEEP tour played its 33rd sold out show and Chris Young played his first ever concert inside the Bridgestone Arena, something I am sure he only dreamed of doing several years ago as a college student in Nashville.

Chris Young headlining a sold-out show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on September 22, 2018
Photo credit Jeff Johnson

ABOUT CHRIS YOUNG: By his 33rd birthday, RCA Records Nashville artist Chris Young has accumulated an impressive list of accomplishments, including membership in the iconic Grand Ole Opry, ten No. 1 singles, seventeen R.I.A.A. Gold/Platinum/Multi-Platinum certified projects, 2 Grammy nominations, 3 Country Music Association nominations and 4 Academy of Country Music nominations. As a prolific creator, Chris has given fans 7 studio albums in 12 years including Losing Sleep, his third project in less than two years and the Platinum certified title track is his eighth No. 1 as a songwriter. Losing Sleep (2017) and I’m Comin’ Over (2015) debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart with “I’m Comin’ Over” becoming Young’s first 2x Platinum single.

Named “one of his era’s finest traditionalists” by the Associated Press, Chris has quickly become an international ambassador for country music, performing to capacity crowds around the world including the sold-out C2C Festival in the UK. With a hit-packed set that highlights his ten chart-toppers — including back-to-back No. 1s “Losing Sleep,” “Sober Saturday Night,” “Think Of You,” and “I’m Comin’ Over” — the Grammy and ACM nominated vocalist is headlining the Chris Young Losing Sleep 2018 World Tour, with more than 55 arena and amphitheater dates on the books including his first hometown headlining show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena this fall.

For a full list of tour dates and more information, visit chrisyoungcountry.com.

 

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