5 Things to Know About Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini is proving herself to be a potential bridge between country music lovers and pop fanatics. Her affinity for Top 40 growing up likely has something to do with her being able to appeal to a wide variety of people.

Whatever the cause, Ballerini is skyrocketing to fame for her anthemic and insatiably catchy tunes. If you’re a new Ballerini fan, check out five facts you may not know about her, below.

[RELATED: Kelsea Ballerini Celebrates 30th Birthday With VMA Performance]

1. She led her church choir

Before making waves in country music, Ballerini cut her performing teeth in her church’s choir. According to the Fountain City United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Ballerini led the charge of setting up a contemporary choir while attending there. Though it may not have been the same caliber of performance she is used to today, it no doubt set her up for a successful career on the stage.

2. She studied communications and marketing in college for a stint

Ballerini attended Lipscomb University while trying to make a name for herself in Nashville. Before making it big, Ballerini studied communications and marketing for two years. She eventually left school to pursue music full-time–an apt decision given her success.

3. The first song she ever wrote was for her mother

Ballerini first dabbled in songwriting after forgetting to get her mom a Mother’s Day present. The track, titled “Oh Mama,” was the gift that kept on giving. Ballerini decided to add a verse to the song every Mother’s Day, continuing to update the story of their relationship.

4. She did hip-hop competitively

When she was younger, Ballerini was a competitive hip-hop dancer. She left dancing soon after writing her first song. In 2015 though, she decided to return to that creative outlet for a moment, showing fans her pop and lock chops. Check it out, below.

5. “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” helps her through anxious times

In 2020, Ballerini decided to perform a cover of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” In an Instagram video, Ballerini explained that she returns to the song often in times of stress. “When I was a little girl, this song always brought me peace when life felt uneasy and calmed my anxiety,” she wrote in the caption.

Photo by Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images