It's been a tough year for Kelsea Ballerini. She got honest with fans about her breakup with Chase Stokes at a show in Chicago a few weeks ago.
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Recently, the "Blindsided" singer told Elle that she has been facing these challenges head-on and is turning negatives into constructive moments.
Kelsea Ballerini Shared What Happened After Her Loss at the 2024 ACM Awards
At the American Country Music Awards in May, Ballerini was nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Music Event of the Year. She went home empty-handed, losing to Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley.
"I did cry myself to sleep that night, that is true," she admitted.
When it comes to moments like this, Ballerini said there are people in the industry whom she leans on for support.
"I've recently gotten to know Sheryl Crow a bit, and she is just the actual Webster's definition of a badass," she shares. "She really is. She's so lovely and gritty and cool and warm. I love Wynonna [Judd]. I wish I could be around her all the time. She's incredible, and it's been a gift to get to know her.
"Really early on in my career, Taylor was a huge mentor and friend to me and really changed my life by sharing my music before anyone had heard it."
She added, "I would die for Kelly Clarkson. I talk about her any chance I can. I make it weird ...I'm lucky to have women in my industry that I can call and I can ask the hard questions to."
Ballerini Said She Had To Redefine Her Relationship With Success
While losing at the ACM Awards was a disappointment, Ballerini explained that she's had to redefine what success is to her.
"I had seven [No. 1 hits], and then one day, I just didn't anymore," she explained. "I still put in the work, and I still show up and put out songs that are undeniably country to the radio, and it's just different now, and that's OK."
However, despite all the setbacks, she doesn't plan on giving up her career in the industry anytime soon.
"I'm not gonna stop making music," she said. "So, I think it's just about shifting where I find success... I've never really been an award show girlie. I love going and I love performing, and I really let it affect me for a long time. And now I just go, 'You know what? I'm happy to be in the conversation. I know that I have value here, and this is not where I find my success.'"
For the full conversation with Ballerini, check out the video below.
Photo by ALLISON DINNER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
