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Kelsea Ballerini

By Shania Twain | 2023 TIME100 Next | September 13, 2023

Kelsea Ballerini and I first met at a country-­music awards show. 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 with her songwriting. She’s also a great friend. We have such a special relationship that is just so real, and that can be rare in our industry. I watch her work incredibly hard and challenge herself, but she also has fun, and that is wonderful to see. At this year’s CMT Awards, she performed with a full troupe of drag queens as her backup dancers, which was fabulous. She has a powerful sense of self in those moments: she knows exactly where her heart is, and she always leads with love and inclusivity.

Twain is a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter.

https://time.com/collection/time100-next-2023/6308492/kelsea-ballerini/

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Kelsea Ballerini on Undoing Country Music’s Norms

By Moises Mendez II | TIME | September 13, 2023

This article is part of the 2023 TIME100 Next, our annual list recognizing rising leaders in health, climate, business, sports, the arts, and more. Read more about Kelsea Ballerini—and see the whole list—here.

https://time.com/6312681/kelsea-ballerini-interview-time-100-next/