Country music star Kelsea Ballerini is known for her powerful vocals and infectious energy, but her body image has sometimes been a target for online trolls. In the past, Ballerini has clapped back at comments focused on her weight, emphasizing that her health and talent are what truly matter. Let’s dive into how Ballerini promotes body positivity and maintains a healthy lifestyle that fuels her successful music career.
WHO IS KELSEA BALLERINI?
Kelsea Ballerini is an American country pop singer and songwriter who’s been turning heads (and topping charts) since the 2010s. She’s a Grammy-nominated artist known for her catchy tunes and empowering message.
THE BODY SHAMING INCIDENT
In 2018, Kelsea Ballerini faced negative comments about her weight after she posted a photo of herself in a bikini on social media. Some individuals criticized her body, prompting her to respond with a powerful message emphasizing her role as a singer and prioritizing health over unrealistic beauty standards. Ballerini addressed the issue directly, stating:
“I am a healthy, normal chick. Yes, I have a small waist, and that’s not my fault. I was born with it. But I work really hard. I work out and eat healthy. So for someone to comment on my weight or size, or whatever you want to call it, in a negative way… it’s like, ‘Don’t you have more important things to worry about?'”
In her response, Ballerini highlighted the importance of focusing on her talents as a musician rather than criticizing her appearance. She also advocated for embracing body positivity and rejecting harmful beauty standards. By speaking out, Ballerini encouraged her fans to prioritize health and self-acceptance over societal pressures to conform to narrow ideals of beauty.
KELSEA BALLERINI WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY
In her recently published book of poetry titled Feel Your Way Through, the 28-year-old country music sensation Kelsea Ballerini bravely delves into her personal struggles with body image. She candidly reveals her battle with an eating disorder that plagued her for years, a journey that began when she was just 18 years old.
In one poignant poem titled “Kangaroo,” Ballerini reflects on a childhood memory where she was nicknamed after the marsupial by a boy, who pointed out her “belly and little legs.” This revelation offers readers a glimpse into Ballerini’s vulnerable moments and underscores the importance of confronting and overcoming societal pressures and personal insecurities. Through her honest storytelling, Ballerini not only shares her own experiences but also inspires others to navigate their own paths towards self-acceptance and healing.
Reflecting on her journey from battling with diet pills and struggling with bulimia as a child, Kelsea Ballerini looks back at the significant progress she has made since those challenging times. In a recent interview with People magazine, the singer opened up about her past struggles, highlighting the distance she has traveled on her path to healing and self-discovery, “It’s a journey, and it’s never-ending.”
That lesson certainly resonated deeply with Ballerini following a performance on Today in 2015. She recalled seeing an article emerge with the headline, “Ballerini debuts baby bump,” prompting her to confront the pervasive nature of false narratives and assumptions in the media.
She recalled, “I reverted back to that 12-year-old version of me but thought: Either you’re going to get triggered by this all the time, or you’re going to get to a point where you’re okay enough to look past it.”
“I don’t work out to get skinny, I work out to be healthy. I don’t eat a salad to be skinny, I eat a salad to be healthy,” she continued. “I’ve re-calibrated what it means to me to just look in the mirror and just be like, ‘Man, I’m healthy. I’m strong. I have good breath support to do my job well.’ Those are things that matter to me now, rather than: ‘I look skinny in a dress.'”
Ballerini also aims to support others by sharing her own personal struggles openly, hoping to inspire and connect with those facing similar challenges.
“When you’re able to talk about things, you either are going to feel shame about it and you’re going to keep it hidden, or you’re going to air it out and be vulnerable and connect with people and take the sting away from it and heal together,” she explained. “And I think that’s just the better option for me at this point in my life.”
HOW KELSEA BALLERINI FACES OPPOSITIONS
Another strategy for cultivating body confidence is by confronting and shutting down body-shamers. In 2018, when someone criticized her weight after her performance at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, she responded with a powerful message, stating, “First of all, I’m not a model, I’m a singer. Second of all, I’m not responding to this to give you attention because you don’t deserve that, I’m writing because I am a healthy, normal chick which I pride myself on and work hard for and want other young girls to see that and know that ‘skinny’ is not always the goal.”
She took a stand against another social media user who assumed she was pregnant after her appearance at the 2020 CMA Awards. “I’m sure you mean well, but it’s incredibly insensitive to ask or assume if another woman is pregnant,” she wrote at the time. “I’m not, by the way. Just carrying around my organs. But if I were, I’d want to share that in my own time when I felt ready. Let’s not judge bloat levels on the internet.”
KELSEA BALLERINI EARLY LIFE
Ballerini, raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, grew up as an only child in a loving household with her father, Ed, who worked as a sales manager for a country radio station, and her mother, Carla, who held roles in marketing for Thomas Nelson Bible publishing and a sponsorship company. From a young age, Ballerini immersed herself in the arts, taking dance lessons at Premiere Dance Studio in Seymour, Tennessee, and singing in both church and school choirs. She penned her first song at the age of 12, a heartfelt gift for her mother.
At 15, she made the bold decision to relocate to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue her passion for music. Her educational journey took her through Central High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, and Centennial High School in Franklin, Tennessee, before briefly attending Lipscomb University, where she nurtured her musical aspirations for two years before fully committing to a career in music.
KELSEA BALLERINI CAREER
Between 2014 and 2016, Kelsea Ballerini burst onto the country music scene with vigor. At just 19, she signed with Black River Entertainment and promptly released her debut single, “Love Me Like You Mean It,” igniting a rapid ascent on the Country Airplay chart. This success paved the way for her self-titled EP, which debuted in November 2014. Recognized as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country, Ballerini made her mark at the Grand Ole Opry the following year. Her debut album, “The First Time,” arrived in May 2015, featuring chart-toppers like “Dibs” and “Peter Pan,” solidifying her status as a rising star in country music.
From 2017 to 2019, Ballerini’s career reached new heights. She earned accolades on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 – Music list and garnered multiple award nominations, including the Academy of Country Music Awards. Releasing her second album, “Unapologetically,” in 2017 further cemented her reputation, with hits like “Legends” and “I Hate Love Songs” showcasing her prowess. Beyond music, Ballerini expanded her horizons, joining The Voice as a coach and collaborating with notable artists like The Chainsmokers.
From 2019 to 2021, Ballerini continued to evolve creatively. Her third album, “Kelsea,” unveiled a blend of vulnerability and boldness through tracks like “Homecoming Queen?” and “LA.” Venturing into literature, she released her debut book of poetry, “Feel Your Way Through,” in 2021. Amidst these endeavors, she maintained a presence in television, serving as a coach on The Voice and co-hosting the CMT Music Awards.
Looking ahead to 2022 and beyond, Ballerini’s trajectory remains dynamic. With the release of her fourth album, “Subject to Change,” she explores new sonic realms through collaborations with artists like Kelly Clarkson and Carly Pearce. Additionally, her short film and EP, “Rolling Up the Welcome Mat,” attest to her commitment to storytelling and innovation. As her career flourishes, Ballerini’s authenticity and passion continue to captivate audiences, cementing her status as a prominent figure in music.
KELSEA BALLERINI PERSONAL LIFE
In March 2016, Kelsea Ballerini commenced a relationship with Australian country singer Morgan Evans. Their romance culminated in an engagement on Christmas Day of the same year and a wedding ceremony on December 2, 2017, in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. However, their marital journey took a turn when Ballerini announced their decision to divorce on August 29, 2022. Following negotiations, their divorce was finalized on November 15, 2022.
Subsequently, in February 2023, reports confirmed Ballerini’s relationship with Outer Banks actor Chase Stokes, with the couple allegedly beginning to date in December 2022.
In addition to her publicized relationships, Ballerini’s life has also been marked by personal challenges. As a student at Central High School in 2008, she experienced the traumatic events of a shooting, which she witnessed. Ballerini has since revealed her struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stemming from this harrowing experience.
FAQ
1. Why is Kelsea Ballerini such a role model for young women?
Kelsea’s confidence, talent, and message of self-acceptance inspire young women to embrace who they are and pursue their dreams.
2. How did Kelsea respond to the body shaming comment?
Kelsea clapped back, emphasizing that she’s a singer, not a model, and prioritizing health is more important than unrealistic beauty standards.
3. How much is Kelsea Ballerini net worth?
$6 million.
CONCLUSION
Kelsea Ballerini’s response to body shaming is a powerful reminder that self-worth goes beyond appearance. She champions body positivity and inspires fans to embrace healthy habits for overall well-being, not just weight loss. By prioritizing her health and using her voice to promote self-acceptance, Kelsea Ballerini empowers others to focus on what truly matters: talent, confidence, and inner beauty.
