Ballerini on turning 30, ‘The Voice’ and power of vulnerability

Kelsea Ballerini has spent the better part of the past decade making her mark on country music. With a voice that's as tender as it is commanding, she’s proven her ability to navigate heartache, healing, and hope through her music.

- Holly Alvarado, Tribune News Service

But now, as she steps onto arena stages across the country and into the high-profile role of coach on “The Voice,” Ballerini is pushing herself in new, bold directions. “I've always believed that growth comes from stepping outside of what's comfortable,” Ballerini shared during a recent phone call. “Whether it's taking on something like ‘The Voice’ or playing to a crowd that might not typically listen to country music, it’s a challenge that excites me. It pushes me to be bolder in my music and more fearless in my performances.” Ahead of a recent performance at LA’s Crypto.com Arena, Ballerini reflected on the unique energy of performing in the city. “I think shows in cities like that, especially where I have so many friends — I've gotten to spend so much time in LA, whether it be playing shows or doing ‘The Voice’ over the last IO years — and just discovering that there’s such a love of all kinds of music there, including country, | think it’s been really beautiful,” she shared. “When there's shows in places like Nashville, New York, or LA, where | have so many friends and familiar faces in the audience, it makes me peacock a little bit and really be on my game.”