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Radio Disney Names Country Artist Kelsea Ballerini Its 'Next Big Thing'
December 18, 2015 at 5:00 AM (PT)
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RADIO DISNEY has named rising country artist KELSEA BALLERINI its NBT (NEXT BIG THING). The 22-year-old singer-songwriter is the latest artist to be highlighted in the multi-platform feature program that, since 2010, has championed young developing recording artists, showcasing their journeys as they turn their talents and dreams into careers.
Hailing from KNOXVILLE, BALLERINI moved to NASHVILLE at 15 to chase her dream of becoming a songwriter. In 2013, she signed a publishing deal with BLACK RIVER PUBLISHING and later signed a record deal with BLACK RIVER ENTERTAINMENT. She launched to stardom with the release of her #1, gold-certified debut single "Love Me Like You Mean It" and current Top 15-and-rising single "Dibs." BALLERINI is the first solo female artist in nine years to hit #1, and one of only 11 women to hit the top of the charts with her debut country single.
BALLERINI accompanied RADIO DISNEY NETWORKS GM PHIL GUERINI during the announcement of RADIO DISNEY COUNTRY during the 2015 CMA FEST, and continues to be a core artist on RADIO DISNEY COUNTRY's playlist.
Earlier this year, BALLERINI kicked off the RADIO DISNEY MUSIC AWARDS in APRIL, and sang alongside TAYLOR SWIFT at the NASHVILLE stop of her 1989 World Tour in SEPTEMBER.
Beginning in JANUARY, RADIO DISNEY's "NBT" program will follow BALLERINI in a series of videos presented nationally on RADIO DISNEY, DISNEY CHANNEL, the RADIO DISNEY app, RADIODISNEY.COM and social media platforms. She joins the roster of "NBT" alum including HOLLYWOOD RECORDS' BEA MILLER, ISLAND RECORDS' SHAWN MENDES, KEMOSABE/RCA RECORDS' BECKY G, and EPIC RECORDS' FIFTH HARMONY.