Kelsea Ballerini Says Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears Inspired New Album
Kelsea Ballerini says that for her new album, Subject to Change (which is out today), she was inspired by ’90s music, noting, “During the last couple of years with the…
Kelsea Ballerini says that for her new album, Subject to Change (which is out today), she was inspired by '90s music, noting, "During the last couple of years with the shift of the world instead of listening to new music, I went back and listened to what I grew up on. It felt really safe, steady, and comfortable."
One of those artists was Kelly Clarkson, who she sings with her on this album. "Kelly Clarkson. I just think that the way she handles herself and [she] has not lost her humanness in the way that she operates from such a place of truth, and is so genuine. To me, I've always been so drawn to her because of that, and now I know her as a person, and she's the same, thank God (laughs)." She added, "I adore her, and I am a superfan."
Another artist Ballerini loved as a young teen was pop sensation Britney Spears. She said, "Britney, to me, she's the queen of a brand, and I grew up on her music. My first concert was Britney Spears, and she gives me the bubble gum pop, wrapped in a bow that I Just wanna turn on sometimes."
Kelsea also talked to us about the title cut on the project, "Subject To Change." She said of the song, "To me, it is the tone setter for the album. It kind of brings you into the world of okay; this is going to be a rollercoaster of juxtaposition, a lot of inward thought, detangling, joy, and messiness. I wanted it to be kind of, the car starting."
She offered of her latest release, the catchy and fun "If You Go Down (I'm Going Down Too)," "It's my 'best friends' song. It's for anyone that has a 'ride or die.' I wanted the song to have a little bit of wit to it. A little bit of Thelma and Louise, a little bit of 'Goodbye Earl.' The heart of it is that I live and die for my friends. They are a pillar in my life, and I'm so grateful for my friendships. So, I dedicate this song to all my girls."
Ballerini posted to Instagram today of the new project now out, "if i'm honest, growing up it kinda hurts like hell…and for me, it sounds like this. internal observations, drunken conversations, diehard friendships, jumping in hopeful, owning the cringe, doing my best, discovering the good stuff isn't always grandiose, falling on my face, being a show pony, taking inventory of what i have…and ultimately welcoming change when it comes."
She continued, "I'm proud of this record and the story it tells. here's my last two years, and here's the turning of a page. SUBJECT TO CHANGE IS OUT NOW.."
Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon responded, writing, "YES!! Listening now."
Kelsea Ballerini celebrates her 29th birthday today (9/12). While she is currently going through some challenging life changes (she recently filed for divorce from her husband of five years, Morgan Evans), she is also going through an exciting time in her career. She recently made headlines wearing Shania Twain's Grammy dress at the ACM Honors, where she paid tribute to Twain by singing her biggest song, "Man, I Feel Like A Woman."
Also, this month (9/23), she will be releasing a new album called 'Subject To Change' featuring her current hit single, "Heartfirst."
As we celebrate all things, Kelsea today, we look at 12 of her biggest songs that made her the budding country superstar she is today.
12. "Yeah Boy" (2016)
Black RiverDescribed as an ode to the 1990s, in the song's video, Kelsea is shown performing the song in a colorful bodysuit in front of a neon backdrop and a brick wall spray-painted with graffiti, with female backup dancers.
11. "Legends" (2017)
Black RiverThis song is a bit legendary as it topped the Hot Country Songs chart on Billboard. Ballerini performed the song at the 2017 CMA Awards with country legend Reba McEntire.
10. "I Hate Love Songs" (2018)
Black RiverThe song was originally not going to be recorded for her second album. Still, after receiving a standing ovation for her performance of it at the Grand Ole Opry in August 2017, Ballerini decided to include it on the record. She said at the time, "I called my label, I was like, 'I think we need to cut this song.'"
9. "Miss Me More" (2018)
Black RiverA critically acclaimed song for Kelsea, she performed it many times on TV, including at the 52nd Annual Country Music Association Awards. Thirteen days later, she performed it on Season 15 of 'The Voice,' and then in June of 2019; she performed the song at the 2019 CMT Music Awards.
8. "Homecoming Queen?" (2019)
Black RiverThe lead single from her third studio album 'Kelsea,' which was released in March of 2020. In an interview with The Tennessean, Ballerini revealed that "Homecoming Queen?" heralded "a new, more emotionally vulnerable phase of her career."
7. "Dibs" (2015)
Black RiverThe name of her dog, which she got as a puppy when this song first came out. The song's video consists of footage Kelsea took herself while on tour in York, Pennsylvania, Greenville, South Carolina, and St. Leonard, Maryland, performing in front of live crowds, celebrating her 22nd birthday, and spending time with her dog.
6. "Love Me Like You Mean It" (2014)
Black RiverHer debut single and the song that brought her to the country music dance. "Love Me Like You Mean It" peaked at number one on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, making Ballerini the first solo female to top that chart with her debut single since Carrie Underwood's "Jesus, Take the Wheel" in 2006.
5. "The Other Girl" (with Halsey) (2020)
Black RiverA solid collaboration. Ballerini and Halsey performed the song live on 'CMT Crossroads' on March 25, 2020. The song won a CMT Music Award for Performance of the Year, marking both artists' first CMT award.
4. "Peter Pan" (2016)
Black RiverAnother chart-topper for Kelsea, the song was certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and has sold 672,000 copies in the US as of March 2017. Ballerini first performed the song live with Nick Jonas at the Academy of Country Music Awards.
3. "Heartfirst" (2022)
Black RiverHer new single and already a hit with fans. Kelsea co-wrote the song with Alysa Vanderheym and Little Big Town member Karen Fairchild. She recently said it was the first song that she ever wrote where she did not come up with the title first; instead, the opening line "Met him at a party/ Accidentally brushed his body/ On the way to get a drink at the bar" was the first lyric she wrote for the song.
2. "Hole in the Bottle" (2020)
Black RiverA catchy and fun drinking song. A remix of the song featuring Shania Twain was released on November 13, 2020. An alternate song recording is also included on Ballerini's fourth studio album, 'Ballerini.'
1. "Half of My Hometown" (featuring Kenny Chesney) (2021)
Black RiverA classic sounding and much-loved country song with fellow native East Tennessean Kenny Chesney. The song won both Musical Event of the Year and Video of the Year at the 55th Annual Country Music Association Awards and is nominated for Single of the Year at the 56th CMA Awards.
