Yahoo Lifestyle Kelsea Ballerini Credits This 'Voice' Coach for Inspiring Her Career
Kelsea Ballerini is helping aspiring artists try to achieve fame in her role as a new coach on The Voice. But it turns out she has some firsthand experience of how a fellow artist can inspire the pursuit of a music career — and it's all thanks to former Voice mentor Kelly Clarkson.
Ahead of the NBC competition series' season 27 premiere on February 3, Kelsea got together with Adam Levine, Michael Bublé and John Legend to discuss their careers and journeys to getting to the places they are today. When John asked Kelsea about when she knew she wanted to be a performer, she shared that her a-ha moment happened in 2005, while watching Kelly perform in her hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee.
"I was seeing her in Knoxville at the arena, and it was her Behind These Hazel Eyes tour," she explained in an Instagram clip posted on January 21. "She had these two video screens above her stage of her eyes the whole show. So depending on the song, they would close, they would cry, they would wink, or whatever. I was just at the age where I knew I loved music. But I was like, 'Do I want to do this? I don't know how to, but I think I really love this.'"
As the quartet continued talking, Kelsea further elaborated on the impact Kelly had on her. Seeing the American Idol winner in real-life, it took just an instant to cement the idea for Kelsea to pursue a career in music.
"I was having this moment as a little kiddo, and I looked up to these screen eyes of Kelly Clarkson, and they winked," she noted. "In my soul, I really believed that Kelly Clarkson told me I was supposed to move to Nashville."
As it turned out, Kelsea and Kelly would eventually cross paths in Hollywood. Not only was Kelsea an advisor for Kelly in seasons 16 and 20 of The Voice, she later stepped in as a temporary coach for Kelly in season 20 (Kelsea also appeared in season 15 as a mentor).
So, does Kelly know of the role she played for Kelsea? Absolutely. "She's weirdly kind of been consistent throughout my whole career," she added. "She started it for me... She's my girl."
Obviously, hearing the high praise Kelsea had for Kelly had fans emotional online. "@kellyclarkson is MOTHER ✨💕," one person wrote in the comments. "@kellyclarkson is the best! Couldn’t agree more with @kelseaballerini! Two amazing artists! 👏," another agreed. "@kelseaballerini 🤝 @kellyclarkson," a different follower added.
Well, looks like we need these two to collab ASAP!
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