New “The Voice” coach Kelsea Ballerini says she has “American Idol” winner Kelly Clarkson to thank for launching her music career. Find out how Clarkson played an important role in Ballerini achieving success.
‘The Voice’ Coach Kelsea Ballerini Recalls Moment Kelly Clarkson Changed Her Life
“The Voice” season 27 coaches, Adam Levine, John Legend, Michael Bublé, and Ballerini sat down to chat in a January 21 video titled “Behind the Mic.”
Ballerini makes her debut as a coach on the upcoming season, while Levine, Legend, and Bublé have all done the role before. The country singer was a season 16 battle advisor and filled in for Clarkson during season 20’s battle rounds.
Legend asked the coaches, “When did you figure out this is what you wanted to do, for real?”
Ballerini recounted how one small signal from Clarkson started her on her musical path.
“I was seeing her in Knoxville at the arena, and it was her Behind These Hazel Eyes tour,” she recalled. “And so she had these two video screens above her stage of her eyes the whole show.”
The singer continued, “So depending on the song, they would close, or they’d cry, or wink, or whatever. I was just at the age where I knew I loved music, but I was like, ‘Do I want to like do this? I don’t know how to, but I think I really love this.'”
Ballerini noted, “I was having this moment as a little kiddo, and I looked up to these screen eyes of Kelly Clarkson, and they winked. And in my soul, I really believed that Kelly Clarkson told me I was supposed to move to Nashville.”
Kelsea Ballerini Has a ‘Full Circle Moment’
When asked if Clarkson knows about this, Ballerini confirmed she does. “She’s weirdly kind of been a consistent throughout my whole career. So she started it for me,” the singer explained.
When Legend pointed out that Ballerini’s first time coaching on “The Voice” was subbing for Kelly Clarkson, Bublé said, “Oh my god! It’s a full circle moment.”
The singer responded, “She’s my girl.”
Ballerini also opened for Clarkson’s 2019 Meaning of Life tour and they collaborated on the 2022 song “You’re Drunk, Go Home,” with Carly Pearce.
In a November 2024 Instagram post on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” account, Ballerini and Clarkson rehearsed together for the talk show.
“I’m excited to be back together,” the host said.
“I love you so much,” Ballerini told Clarkson.
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Kelsea Ballerini Reveals the Bizarre Way Kelly Clarkson Launched Her Career