While the industry has not always welcomed women artists, today’s ladies of country music like to stick together. After Carly Pearce went viral for an unpleasant interaction with a heckler, the “hummingbird” songstress revealed that Lainey Wilson and Kelsea Ballerini reached out in support. The “You’re Drunk, Go Home” collaborators struck up a friendship when Pearce opened for Ballerini roughly a decade ago. Both artists have since enjoyed immense success, which Pearce recently celebrated in a heartfelt social media post.
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Kelsea Ballerini Invited Carly Pearce To Sleep On Her Tour Bus
Sharing a series of photos that captured moments both on and offstage, Carly Pearce paid tribute to her friend following Kelsea Ballerini’s Thursday (Jan. 23) show at United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
“It’s hard to put into words what I’ve watched her build, but last night I stood in awe while she sang to 12,000 screaming fans who have found themselves in her music and story,” Pearce wrote. “And while the journey to watch her go from playing a 500 seat club to an arena has been remarkable, it’s been the journey of really having a sister in this business that I’m the most grateful for.”
The “We Don’t Fight Anymore” singer recounted a time when she opened for Ballerini about a decade ago. At the time, Pearce was traveling from show to show in a van. So the four-time CMT Music Award host invited Pearce onto her tour bus for “a good night’s sleep.”
“That’s who she was and who she still is,” wrote the “Every Little Thing” hitmaker. She continued, “My sweet, Kelsea. You’ve earned every ounce of what I watched last night. Thank you for sharing your stage from day 1 with me.”
They Weren’t Instant Friends, Though
Kelsea Ballerini now refers to Carly Pearce as her closest friend in the industry. However, there was a time when the country music powerhouses weren’t quite so chummy. They initially met in a therapy group for female artists in Nashville, where Ballerini shared news of her record deal and debut single.
“I hated her—I literally looked at her and was like, this girl is five years younger than me. She’s so happy and not jaded and innocent,” Pearce said in 2021. “In my head, I wanted what she had.”
Fortunately, the “I Hope You’re Happy Now” hitmaker made the choice to be vulnerable about her own struggles, rather than drown in jealousy.
“I remember crying in that meeting and being like, ‘I have no idea what I’m doing,’” she said. “Kelsea and I became friends in that meeting and we aligned because I was honest.”
Featured image by Stewart Cook/Shutterstock
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