KELSEA BALLERINI PLAYS NASHVILLE FOR THE FIRST TIME TO A SOLD-OUT CROWD

For Black River Entertainment recording artist Kelsea Ballerini, the firsts continue to stack up with Tuesday night’s (5/12) sold-out CMT’s NEXT WOMEN OF COUNTRY Tour stop in Nashville. Marking her first headline show in Music City, she celebrated the milestone moment with family, friends, label team and a special guest appearance by Maddie & Tae. The talented singer/songwriter gave Rolling Stone Country an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the day - http://www.rollingstone.com/music/pictures/see-kelsea-ballerini-photos-from-girl-powered-nashville-tour-stop-20150514

Adding to the excitement, Ballerini scored her first-ever award show nomination for the 2015 CMT Music Awards Breakthrough Video of the Year for debut hit “Love Me Like You Mean It.” Airing live on CMT June 10 at 8/7 CT, fans can vote now at 

http://www.cmt.com/cmt-music-awards/vote/breakthrough-video-of-the-year.jhtml

 Ballerini took to Instagram to share her fun and dramatic reaction to the news: 

https://instagram.com/p/2oux17Cz6P/

 Nearing the Top 10 at No. 11 this week, “Love Me Like You Mean It” released to rave reviews with Billboard praising the song as an "...Uptempo, take-charge anthem...” The sassy tune will be featured on her highly anticipated debut album, THE FIRST TIME, releasing May 18. Producers Forest Glen Whitehead and Jason Massey highlight Ballerini’s adept songwriting across the 12-track project, which is now available for digital pre-sale and exclusively streaming on CMT.com.

 Known for her energetic live show and playful tunes, Ballerini is co-headlining CMT’s NEXT WOMEN OF COUNTRY Tour with Jana Kramer - the network’s first-ever ladies-only tour – and will also join select dates on Lady Antebellum’s WHEELS UP Tour throughout the summer.

 Newly crowned one of CMT’s Next Women of Country, Ballerini has been abuzz with recent shout-outs from Superstars Taylor Swift, Little Big Town, Kristian Bush and TODAY’s Hoda Kotb and landing on several 2015 “Ones to Watch” lists, including Billboard, Country Weekly, Rolling Stone Country, The Huffington Post, Radio.com, Spotify, #CMChatand more.

 Hailing from Knoxville, TN, Ballerini moved to Nashville, TN at age 15 to chase the dream of becoming a songwriter.  At age 19, she signed a publishing deal with Black River Publishing in 2013 and later that year signed a record deal with Black River Entertainment. 

 For tour dates and more, visit KelseaBallerini.com. Reach out to her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Watch the music video for “Love Me Like You Mean It” via CMT.com, Vevo and YouTube. 

“Love Me Like You Mean It” is available anywhere digital music is sold.