Kelsea Ballerini Performs At The VMAs, Covers ‘TIME100’

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Kelsea Ballerini covers TIME. Photo: Caroline Tompkins

Kelsea Ballerini celebrated several milestones this week. In addition to turning 30, the country star made her MTV Video Music Awards debut and was one of three chosen to cover the TIME100’s Next List.

At the VMAs, Ballerini performed the song “Penthouse” from her lauded Rolling Up The Welcome Mat project. In addition to performing beautifully, the star had a stunning moment at the crescendo of the song, when her flowing white dress suddenly became a black gown for the grand finale.

For TIME, Ballerini graces the cover of select magazines alongside NFL quarterback Jalen Hurts and chef Mory Sacko. Listed under the heading “Artist,” Ballerini was selected for a list that includes medical leaders, advocates, politicians, athletes, academics, writers, scientists, chefs, politicians, innovators and technological groundbreakers.

Country music icon and a personal hero to Ballerini, Shania Twain, wrote an inclusion essay for the magazine. She writes, “I remember thinking back then how talented she was as a songwriter at such a young age. She’s an old soul in many ways. As a veteran songwriter, I’m always looking for authenticity, and I’m really inspired by clever songwriting—songwriting that is not only thought-provoking and meaningful but most of all original. Kelsea writes with all those qualities. She isn’t afraid to be vulnerable and really brave in her songwriting.”

Piling on the good news, Ballerini also just announced her first major arena concert at Knoxville’s Thompson-Boling, the one-night-only “The Homecoming Show.”

LB Cantrell
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