Kelsea Ballerini is enjoying her inaugural season as a coach on The Voice. The "Cowboys Cry Too" singer tapped Little Big Town to serve as Battle Advisors for her team. For Ballerini, it's a decision that makes perfect sense.
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"It's two-fold," Ballerini tells Extra TV. "They are, not even arguably, they are one of the most important groups in music, period. In country but in music ... They are my friends. They have 25 years as a band, of consistent, just storytelling that matters, and challenging conversation that matters, and just being a pillar in the genre that I love so much, but in music."
Ballerini chose Little Big Town not only because of their musical prowess, but also because of her close relationship with the four singers.
"And then also, the other side of it is, they're my friends," Ballerini remarks. "I bought tickets to see them growing up. But also, they're my friends, and they've mentored me. And so to be able to be like, 'Here, 12 artists, here's a mentor that I know is a great mentor, 'cause they've been a mentor to me.' And sisters, and brothers, and friends, and collaborators, and all those things over the years. It's very, again, full circle."
Little Big Town's Love of Kelsea Ballerini
Ballerini might be fans of the four Little Big Town members, but the love goes both ways.
"Adam [Levine] and John [Legend] and Michael [Bublé] need to get it together," Karen Fairchild boasts, referring to the other three coaches. "'Cause she's a force out there. She knows what she's doing. She doesn't really need us."
Kimberly Schlapman says that it's unlikely anyone else will win but Ballerini's team.
"Team Kelsea's looking like it's gonna win," Schlapman predicts. "I mean, they are great. Every single person on her team has risen to the occasion, and they are ready to battle. And one of them's gonna take it all the way home. I mean, her team slays."
Ballerini and Little Big Town's friendship goes way back. In 2019, Little Big Town surprised Ballerini with an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry. Carrie Underwood officially inducted Ballerini into the Opry.
"I really wouldn't know what it looks like to be a woman in country music without Carrie Underwood. Your grace and your poise and your heart... if I can be half the artist you are, I feel like I'm doing something right," Ballerini said at the time.
