Standing alongside the song’s co-writers Forest Glen Whitehead and Jesse Lee, Ballerini told the assembled crowd it takes the hard work of many different people to climb so high. “This is bigger than me,” she said, before concluding with a promise to keep aiming for the stars and to make her believers proud.
The chart-topping success of “Peter Pan” is a historic feat, making Ballerini the first female artist – including duos or groups – to hit #1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with her first three singles. Simultaneously, the fantasy-themed tune rose to the top spot on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, also making Ballerini the first female artist to score a double #1. It is the first chart-topper for Lee and the second for songwriter/producer Whitehead, who also co-wrote Ballerini’s “Love Me Like You Mean It.”
Decorating the cavernous space to mimic the feel of the “Peter Pan” music video (directed by Kristin Barlowe), Ballerini, her co-writers and co-producer Jason Massey were presented with #1 plaques and gifts from ASCAP, BMI, and publishers ole and Black River Publishing, before Ballerini’s record label – Black River Entertainment – surprised the star with news that her debut album had just reached GOLD certification for sales of over 500,000 copies.
Performing alongside her co-writers, the 23-year-old then delivered laid back acoustic renditions of “Peter Pan” and “Yeah Boy,” the fun-and-flirty fourth single from THE FIRST TIME, before joining in the celebration.
Capping off an outstanding year, the Black River recording artist will receive CMT’s second-annual Breakout Artist of the Year award during the network’s 2016 Artists of the Year special, premiering October 20 at 9 p.m. ET, 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 November 20, airing live at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Voting is now open through November 14 at amavote.com.
Ballerini holds the distinction of having written all three GOLD-certified singles from her debut album THE FIRST TIME, including her PLATINUM-certified debut, “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).