Kelsea Ballerini, co-host of the CMT Music Awards, may have found success with country classics like “Dibs” and “Yeah Boy,” but she thrives
best when she steps outside of her comfort zone.
Kelsea Ballerini Reveals She Still Has Performance Issues!!
Ballerini, 28, has widened her horizons in recent years, teaming with country giants such as Kenny Chesney and Jason Aldean, as well as pop artists such as LANY, Halsey, and the Chainsmokers.
Now, the musician tells PEOPLE that she’s eager to push the boundaries of what “country music” entails — and that it’s her obligation to do so.
I’m just confused about why there are boundaries in the first place. Who, for example, placed them there? Why are they still in existence? She said.
These are just a few of the questions I frequently ask myself. And, after I’ve established myself as a successful female country music artist, I feel it’s my duty to challenge everything.
Ballerini’s new track “Heartfirst,” a ’90s-inspired confection she describes as “the lovechild of The Corrs and Sheryl Crow, with a little Shania [Twain] sprinkled on top,” embodies that determination.
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“I think as long as the music is the best I can make,” she continues, “why not [defy expectations]?” “Why not include a banjo tune and
another with a beat drop? What difference does it make? Music is music, and I believe there is space for it all, as well as individuals who will appreciate it all.”
The 2022 CMT Music Awards, which Ballerini will co-host for the second year in a straight with actor Anthony Mackie, will honor all genres of country music on Monday night.
The singer is up for video of the year, collaborative video of the year, and CMT performance of the year, and she will also play “Heartfirst” live for the first time.
Ballerini says she’s not frightened despite the large stage, owing in part to advice from none other than Arsenio Hall, with whom she co-hosted the ABC music series Greatest Hit in 2016.
“I had my first prompter read, and I was scared because I had no idea what I was doing,” she remembers. “And Arsenio simply looked at me and said, ‘Honey, all you need to know is the name of the person you’re bringing on.
‘ Aside from that, just be yourself. Feel the space. Riff. It makes no difference. You’ve come here because of your personality.’ And it’s simply made it easier for me to get started.”
She’s also confident in her relationship with Mackie, who she claims almost made her cry with laughter when they presented together at the Grammys.
Though Ballerini hasn’t revealed much about her upcoming fifth studio album, she does concede that “Heartfirst” is setting the tone for what’s to come.
“This record has a lot of nostalgia to it,” she explains. “It does seem very ’90s-inspired, with elements of ’90s country and ’90s pop… I truly simply wanted to start this next chapter on a positive note. It’s light and airy, and I hope people can hear it.”
She continues, “It’s basically a song about trusting your instincts and how everything worthwhile in life, especially love, stems from a leap of faith.
Love is the most daring leap of faith you could possibly take. The point is that it’s scary. The song is about believing in yourself [and] your heart.” The 2022 CMT Music Awards will be broadcast live from Nashville on CBS on Monday at 8 p.m. ET.
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