CMT Breakout Artist Of The Year Follows #1 “Peter Pan” With Another Irresistible Track
Singer/Songwriter Scores American Music Award Nomination For Favorite Female Artist – Country
Nashville, Tenn. – Hot on the heels of her record-breaking third #1 hit “Peter Pan,”Kelsea Ballerini released her new single, “Yeah Boy,” to Country radio this week. Digging even deeper into debut album THE FIRST TIME (Black River Entertainment), CMT’s Breakout Artist of the Year proves just how adept she is at pairing relatable lyrics with irresistible hooks: even a superstar like Taylor Swift couldn’t help tweeting about “Yeah Boy” on first listen, calling it “SO lovely.” With 68 first-week adds, Ballerini looks primed to prove yet again why her voice has found a home in the heart of country fans worldwide.
The Black River recording artist recently celebrated her 23rd birthday by topping both Country Aircheck and Billboard Country Airplay charts with “Peter Pan,” which also earned double #1’s on Billboard, making Ballerini the first woman to reach #1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay charts simultaneously.
To cap off this outstanding year, Ballerini will receive CMT’s second-annual Breakout Artist of the Yearaward during the network’s “2016 Artists of the Year” special, premiering October 20 at 8 p.m. ET/PT, and November 2 will find her at the 50th annual CMA Awards, where she is nominated in two categories: New Artist of the Year and Female Vocalist of the Year. She is also vying for Favorite Female Artist – Country at the fan-voted American Music Awards on Sunday, November 20, airing live at 8|7 p.m. CT on ABC. Voting is now open through November 14 at amavote.com.
Ballerini holds the distinction of having written all three GOLD-certified songs from her debut album THE FIRST TIME, including her PLATINUM-certified debut single, “Love Me Like You Mean It.” Produced by Forest Glen Whitehead and Jason Massey, THE FIRST TIME showcases Ballerini’s skillful songwriting on each of the 12 songs. After spending the summer winning over audiences on Rascal Flatts’ RHYTHM & ROOTS Tour, Ballerini is set to headline her own tour, aptly titled, THE FIRST TIME Tour. Kicking off this fall, she is already proving her crowd-drawing potential with two shows confirmed as early sell-outs, including her hometown concert in Knoxville (11/11) and Minneapolis show (11/19).
The First Time Tour Dates:
11/10 – Washington DC – 9:30 Club +
11/11 – Knoxville, TN – TN Theatre + (SOLD OUT)
11/12 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre +
11/17 – Rosemont, IL – Joe’s Live ^
11/18 – Mahnomen, MN – Shooting Star Casino (On Sale 9/19)
11/19 – Minneapolis, MN – Mill City Nights ^ (SOLD OUT)
12/02 – New York City – Irving Plaza ~
12/03 – Buffalo, NY – Town Ballroom ~
12/08 – Los Angeles, CA – Wiltern Theatre
12/09 – Las Vegas, NV – Orleans Casino w/ special guest Cam
12/10 – Las Vegas, NV – Orleans Casino w/ special guest Cam
12/13 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues * (moved from 10/22)
12/14 – Houston, TX – House of Blues * (moved from 10/21)
Special guests:
+ With Morgan Evans
^ With Levi Hummon
~ With Jacob Davis
* With Carly Pearce
For updated tour dates and information on Kelsea Ballerini’s THE FIRST TIME Tour and brand new Fan Club visit the newly launched KelseaBallerini.com and reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.