Kelsea Ballerini Calls Taylor Swift Her “North Star” for Life

Read time 1 min.

Kelsea Ballerini just opened up about the lasting impact Taylor Swift has had on her life and career, calling her a “North Star” in her journey.

The 31-year-old country-pop sensation has always looked up to Taylor, who she credits for guiding her in a world where young female singer-songwriters in country music were rare.

In an interview with Variety, Kelsea shared a pivotal moment early in her career when a music executive told her, “Well, there’s already a Taylor Swift.” While it was a harsh reality, Kelsea acknowledges it wasn’t untrue. At the time, Taylor was the face of country-pop and the only female artist in that space who really made waves. For Kelsea, this moment was a turning point that pushed her to find her own unique voice.

“I had to grow into my own identity as an artist and a songwriter,” Kelsea reflected. “I had to learn to differentiate myself.” Despite the pressure to follow in Taylor’s footsteps, Kelsea focused on carving out her own path while still cherishing Taylor as a constant source of inspiration.

Kelsea and Taylor’s friendship blossomed after Taylor praised Kelsea’s breakout hit, “Love Me Like You Mean It.” The two even performed the song together on Taylor’s 1989 World Tour in Nashville in 2015, cementing their bond.

When it comes to the best advice Taylor has ever given her, Kelsea revealed in a past interview with NBC’s Sunday Today With Willie Geist, “She was like, ‘You have to become undeniable. Whatever that means to you, whatever that looks like for you. Then no one can tell you no, because what is no? You just, you pivot’.” These words have stuck with Kelsea and shaped her approach to her career and artistry.

Through it all, Taylor has remained a guiding light for Kelsea, and while she’s worked hard to establish her own identity, it’s clear the bond between these two stars is unbreakable. Even now, as Kelsea continues to build her career, Taylor is still the “North Star” she looks to for guidance and inspiration.

About
Latest Posts

Jamie Wells

Entertainment Correspondent at T.H.E - Music Essentials

Jamie Wells has a knack for getting the inside scoop on Hollywood’s biggest stars and up-and-coming talent. With a sharp eye for industry trends and an ear for viral moments, Jamie covers everything from red-carpet events to behind-the-scenes drama in movies, TV, and celebrity culture.

Latest Posts