Kelly Clarkson has long been a career flash point for Kelsea Ballerini. The “Dibs” star has shared the story of how seeing Clarkson live inspired the then 12-year-old to move to Nashville and chase her country music dreams. Today, Ballerini makes her coaching debut on The Voice after first subbing for the American Idol champion years ago. Although the country-pop star, 31, is certainly no stranger to the spotlight, live TV is a different beast entirely. Thankfully, she again had Clarkson to lean on.
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“I’m Nervous”: Kelsea Ballerini Reached Out to Kelly Clarkson
First premiering in 2011, The Voice returns Monday (Feb. 3) night for its 27th season on NBC with a brand-new crop of coaches. Season 26 champ Michael Bublé returns to defend his title after winning his first-ever season with Sofronio Vasquez. OG coach Adam Levine also makes his long-anticipated comeback, with fellow veteran John Legend and newcomer Kelsea Ballerini rounding out the lineup.
During a Saturday (Feb. 1) interview with NBC Chicago, the “Cowboys Cry Too” songstress admitted to feeling some pre-show jitters. Fortunately, the icon who inspired her entire career is now just one text away.
“I texted [Clarkson] and I was like, ‘Dude, I’m nervous. Like, I know I want this, but I also don’t know if I’m ready for this. Also, I haven’t done television like this before,” Ballerini said.
Luckily, Kelly Clarkson has nine seasons of The Voice under her belt, with four titles. So the “Breakaway” singer, 42, was well positioned to calm the younger star’s fears. And she did exactly that, reminding Ballerini that the show doesn’t air live until later in the season.
“So if you get nervous or you say something that you’re like, ‘Oh, I stumbled, I shouldn’t have said that—’ you’re going to be covered,” she said Clarkson told her. “You’re going to be safe. Like, it’s not live until the end, and by then you’ll be totally ready for it. And she was right.”
[RELATED: ‘The Voice’ Champ Sofronio Vasquez Inks Deal With Taylor Swift’s Record Label]
‘The Voice’ Returns Tonight
When Kelsea Ballerini first filled in for Kelly Clarkson during season 20, the four-time CMT Music Awards show host knew she wanted to be a part of the show in some capacity. Now, she will have her own big red chair when The Voice season 27 premieres Monday (Feb. 3) at 8 p.m. Eastern on NBC.
“And so it’s amazing that the timing was just perfect and really aligned well,” Ballerini told NBC Chicago. “And now I get the big red seat and the button. The button feels very powerful.”
Featured image by Andrew H. Walker/Shutterstock
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