Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini, born on September 12, 1993, in Mascot, Tennessee, has established herself as one of country music’s brightest stars. Raised in Knoxville after her parents’ divorce, she began writing songs at age 12 and moved to Nashville at 15 to pursue her dreams. Her determination paid off when she signed with Black River Entertainment while still a teenager, setting the stage for a career that would break multiple records in country music.

Ballerini burst onto the country music scene in 2015 with her debut single “Love Me Like You Mean It,” which reached number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, making her the first female artist to send a debut single to number one since Carrie Underwood in 2006. Her debut album “The First Time” was a commercial success, producing two more number-one singles: “Dibs” and “Peter Pan.” She became only the fourth female solo artist to score three consecutive number-one hits from a debut album on the country charts.

Her subsequent albums “Unapologetically” (2017), “Kelsea” and “Ballerini” (both 2020), and “Subject to Change” (2022) showcased her evolution as an artist and songwriter. She expanded her career into television, co-hosting the CMT Music Awards and joining “The Voice” as a coach for Season 27 in 2025, replacing a departing judge. Her crossover appeal has led to collaborations with pop artists and appearances on mainstream television, broadening her audience beyond traditional country fans.

Ballerini’s personal life has been closely followed by fans and media. She was married to fellow country artist Morgan Evans from 2017 to 2022, and later had a high-profile relationship with actor Chase Stokes. With her net worth estimated at $8 million in 2026, Ballerini continues to build her brand through music, touring, television appearances, and partnerships with brands like Covergirl. Her authentic songwriting and charismatic presence have made her a role model for aspiring artists and a consistent presence on country radio.