Kelsea Ballerini recently opened up about her feelings after not winning any awards at the American Country Music Awards earlier this year. In a candid video interview with Elle, published on October 8, Ballerini, 32, reflected on her experience of leaving the awards show empty-handed back in May. Despite having seven number-one hits under her belt, she found herself grappling with the shift in recognition in her career.
“I wish I had a good answer for this, or I’d probably sleep a little better at night,” Ballerini admitted when discussing her losses at the ACM Awards. She remarked on the unpredictability of success in the music industry, stating, “If this was what success looks like for those first seven songs, and now that’s shifted for whatever reason, where else can we go?” Her acknowledgment of the changing landscape of her career underlines the challenges many artists face in staying relevant.
Ballerini made it clear that she has no intention of stopping her music career, expressing her willingness to adapt and find new avenues for success. She reflected on her relationship with award shows, admitting she has never been one to focus solely on accolades. “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,’” she explained.
Although Ballerini maintains a hopeful perspective now, she revealed that she was initially devastated by her losses. “I did cry myself to sleep that night, that is true,” she shared honestly. At this year’s ACM Awards, she was nominated in three categories: Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Music Event of the Year, with Lainey Wilson winning the first two and Ella Langley claiming the latter.
After the awards show, Ballerini humorously shared a meme referencing “Mean Girls” that garnered some backlash from fans, who felt her and her boyfriend Chase Stokes’ reactions were “unprofessional.” In response to the criticism, Ballerini took to social media to extend her congratulations to Wilson, stating, “Just stopping in to say I respect the hell out of @laineywilson. As an artist, entertainer and friend, a deserving queen.”
Reflecting on advice she received from Taylor Swift, Ballerini emphasized the importance of cultivating her own definition of success in a fluctuating industry. She acknowledged that her journey is unique, and she finds joy in pursuing her path. Ballerini’s resilience and dedication to her craft serve as inspiring reminders for artists navigating similar challenges.
Overall, Kelsea Ballerini’s journey and reflections highlight the evolving nature of success in the music industry, revealing both the emotional hardships and the strength that can emerge from such experiences. Her unwavering commitment to making music, coupled with an evolving perspective on achievement, serves as a testament to her artistic spirit.