Kelsea Ballerini has become one of the biggest names in country pop, blending heartfelt storytelling with catchy melodies that have captivated fans worldwide. At just 31 years old (as of 2025), she has already made an impressive mark on the industry, with multiple chart-topping hits, award nominations, and a growing legacy. From her early life in Tennessee to her meteoric rise in country music, let’s take a deep dive into her incredible journey.
Early Life: A Star in the Making
Born on September 12, 1993, in Mascot, Tennessee, Kelsea Ballerini was raised in Knoxville, where her passion for music began at an early age. Her mother, Carla Ballerini, worked in marketing, while her father, Ed Ballerini, was a sales manager for a country radio station—exposing her to the industry from the start.
Though Kelsea first dabbled in dance lessons at the age of three, her true love was music. She sang in school and church choirs, honing her voice and finding inspiration in country legends. After attending Central High School in Knoxville and Centennial High School in Franklin, she took her ambitions to Lipscomb University in Nashville, a city that would soon become her career’s launching pad.
Breaking Into the Country Scene
At just 19 years old, Kelsea signed with Black River Entertainment, an independent Nashville record label. She released her debut single, “Love Me Like You Mean It” in 2014, which skyrocketed to No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay Chart. This was a historic feat, as she became the first solo female artist since Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel” in 2006 to achieve this with a debut single.
Her first studio album, “The First Time”, arrived in 2015, featuring additional No. 1 hits like “Dibs” and “Peter Pan”. With her youthful energy, powerful songwriting, and catchy melodies, Kelsea quickly became a standout in the country-pop scene.
Chart-Topping Success and Awards
With the momentum of her debut, Kelsea released her second album, “Unapologetically”, in 2017. The album featured “Legends,” which became yet another No. 1 hit. It debuted at No. 3 on the Country Albums Chart and No. 7 on the Billboard 200, making it her highest-charting album at the time. This success led to a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album.
She continued releasing hit after hit, with albums like “Kelsea” (2020) and its acoustic counterpart “Ballerini”. Her fourth album, “Subject to Change” (2022), featured the hit “Heartfirst” and a collaboration with Kelly Clarkson and Carly Pearce titled “You’re Drunk, Go Home”.
Television Appearances & Hosting Gigs
Beyond music, Kelsea has made a name for herself on television. She has been a coach and guest mentor on “The Voice”, stepping in for Kelly Clarkson in 2021. She has also co-hosted the CMT Music Awards, the Greatest Hits show on ABC, and even appeared on NBC’s “Songland”.
Touring with Country’s Biggest Stars
Kelsea’s energetic performances have made her a sought-after touring act. She has toured with Lady A, Dan + Shay, Rascal Flatts, Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban, Kelly Clarkson, and the Jonas Brothers. She’s also headlined multiple tours of her own, selling out venues across the country.
Kelsea Ballerini’s Net Worth in 2025
With a thriving career, music sales, endorsements, and television appearances, Kelsea Ballerini’s net worth is estimated at $6 million (as of 2025). Despite the ups and downs of the music industry, her steady stream of hits and performances has secured her financial success, and she continues to expand her reach in country music and beyond.
Personal Life: Love, Heartbreak, and Growth
Kelsea’s personal life has been just as eventful as her career. In 2016, she began dating Australian country singer-songwriter Morgan Evans. Their romance moved quickly, with a Christmas Day engagement in 2016 and a wedding in December 2017. However, after five years of marriage, the couple divorced in 2022, marking a difficult yet transformative chapter in Kelsea’s life.
Since then, she has used her music to express her emotions, sharing her personal growth and newfound independence with fans. Her journey, both personally and professionally, continues to resonate with audiences who connect with her honesty and storytelling.
