Kelsea Ballerini and Carly Pearce might compete for spots on the charts, but they have nothing but love for each other. Ballerini is opening up about her close friendship with Pearce, which began before either of them were country music superstars.
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"Before we had anything on the radio, before we had any success, we were friends in like this all-girl, basically just like therapy group," Ballerini tells People.
"We were all just trying to figure out how to break into the industry and like being a support system for each other," she continues. "And then we both had the opportunity to sign a record deal and start touring and put songs out. And we have just walked alongside each other through the last, more than 10 years, honestly."
Their busy lives likely don't allow for much in-person interaction due to touring, along with Ballerini's current job as a coach on The Voice. Still, there are few people Ballerini feels as close to as Pearce, even as their careers continue to soar.
"We've gotten to walk life together, and we've both had so much life happen and life change in the last 10 years," Ballerini reflects. "And to be able to have a sister that is also a peer, that also just like you can relate to as a girl going through life, and growing up and all those things. But also be like, 'Okay, how are we feeling about music right now? Are you doing okay on the road? Are you tired? Like, what do you need from me?'"
"It's been really important for me to have her as such a beautiful friend," she adds. "So, shout out to Carly Pearce. I love you forever."
Kelsa Ballerini's Headlining Tour
Ballerini is getting ready to kick off the second half of her headlining Live On Tour, which begins on March 13. Ballerini invited Pearce to join her on the second night of the tour, to sing "To the Men That Love Women After Heartbreak."
"Thank you for showing up so wholeheartedly, for decking out in glitter and making signs, for keeping it safe and fun for everyone," Ballerini said at the end of the first leg. "We feel so lucky to be doing this show for you. I really still can't believe we get to do it 19 more times.
"My heart is full, my tank is empty," she added. "I'm gonna go eat some chicken nuggets and take a nice nap before we get back to it for the West Coast. I adore and appreciate you more than I can say."
