"Changed my life": Kelsea Ballerini reveals Taylor Swift launched her music career with one social media post

Kelsea Ballerini has credited Taylor Swift as a pivotal force in her rise to fame.

In an exclusive interview at the Variety Power of Women event in Nashville, the country singer-songwriter revealed that Swift’s support came at a crucial point in her music career.

“It’s been a part of my journey, and it started with Taylor.”

Ballerini’s career began to take off when the pop icon made a tweet in 2015 about her debut single, Love Me Like You Mean It. That social media shoutout became a game-changer for the young artist.

“When she tweeted about ‘Love Me Like You Mean It,’ before it went Top 40 at radio, it changed my life.”

Later that year, the two performed the song together during Swift’s 1989 World Tour in Nashville, further cementing their bond.

In addition to Swift, Ballerini also spoke about her friendship with another country icon, Shania Twain.

Speaking fondly of the From This Moment songstress, Ballerini revealed that Twain has been there for her through many professional and personal ups and downs:

“She just started sharing stages with me. She’s a mentor and a friend. There are moments she and I have shared together that no one has seen. Those have been really impactful for me.”

The Cowboys Cry Too hitmaker has always been vocal about the solidarity of the women in country music who have supported her since the beginning.

“I think a big reason why things have worked progressively like they have is because of the women that have, not only given me advice in passing, but the women that have taken the time to stop and turn around and reach out their hand and either share their stage with me, and other newer artists.”

Now, with almost a decade of experience in the industry, Ballerini feels incredibly fortunate to have such a strong network of female peers and mentors to lean on in Nashville.

“I’m really grateful to have mentors and friends and peers that are honored today and some that are ahead of us and some that are coming up still. It’s a good time to be a girl in Nashville.”

Kelsea Ballerini reveals her attempt at joining The White Lotus cast: “I have no shame in my game!”

Kelease Ballerini nearly joined The White Lotus Season 2 cast.

At the Variety Power of Women event, the singer revealed to People that she auditioned for the role of Jennifer Coolidge’s assistant, Portia, in the sophomore season of the hit HBO show.

The role was ultimately given to Haley Lu Richardson, though it could’ve marked a significant crossover moment for Ballerini’s career in entertainment.

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“I have no shame in my game! I auditioned for the second season of The White Lotus for the role [of] Jennifer Coolidge's assistant that Haley did.”

Nonetheless, Ballerini praised Richardson for acting “so brilliantly and beautifully.”

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