country routes news: Kelsea Ballerini kicks off first headlining tour with a spellbinding Weekend of Sold-Out shows

November 14, 2016:

Superstar sweetheart Kelsea Ballerini kicked off her first ever headlining tour with THREE sold-out shows over the weekend (11/10 - 11/12), proving that THE FIRST TIME TOUR is this winter's can't miss country attraction.

Responding to spellbound fans at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C.; the Tennessee Theatre in her hometown of Knoxville; and the Buckhead Theatre in Atlanta, Ballerini said she was on cloud nine throughout each of the historic nights, which featured Morgan Evans as the opener.

"This opening weekend was so surreal! I still can't believe how loud each crowd was when they sang back all of the words to my songs!" exclaims Ballerini. "To see the rooms filled with fans that love all the same things I do; lots of glitter, fun and country music, was the best feeling. Every night was more fun then I could have ever imagined!"

As THE FIRST TIME TOUR gets up to speed, more packed houses are set to greet the Black River Entertainment artist, including newly revealed sold-out dates in New York City and Buffalo, NY, on December 2 and 3 with special guest Jacob Davis. They join the previously-announced sell out in Minneapolis, MN (11/19) before THE FIRST TIME TOUR continues through December 14 in Houston, TX.

Kelsea Ballerini performs "Roses" The First Time Tour. Atlanta. (published Nov 12, 2016)

Kelsea Ballerini covers Chris Stapleton's "Tennessee Whiskey"

Meanwhile, Ballerini's new single "Yeah Boy" is making its way up the Country radio charts, poised to follow in the success of GOLD-certified single "Peter Pan" (Ballerini, Jesse Lee, Forest Glen Whitehead). The song was a historic milestone, making Ballerini the first female artist - including duos or groups - to hit #1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart with her first three singles off a debut album. Simultaneously, the fantasy-themed tune rose to the top spot on Billboard's Hot Country Songs chart, also making Ballerini the first female artist to score a double #1.

This weekend’s show opener was Aussie singer-songwriter Morgan Evans, who is Kelsea’s lucky boyfriend. During her set, Kelsea said he’s the reason her next album will be full of love songs. Kelsea told Rare Country she has about six songs ready to go for the next album, which is slated to appear sometime in 2017.

❤️

A photo posted by Kelsea Ballerini (@kelseaballerini) on Nov 2, 2016 at 4:49pm PDT

The attractive couple were snapped at The 50th Annual CMA Awards 2016 on the redcarpet.

Morgan Evans suited up in a Hickey Freeman tux, Joseph Abboud shirt and David Yurman cufflinks and watch.

Kelsea Ballerini wore a Michael Costello Spring 2017 "Secret Garden" metallic floral plunging gown (Image) the gorgeous rose-printed dress featured red and purple hints, with a v-neckline that she accessorized with heels and a clutch by Marchesa, and a selection of jewellery from Bright Society, Onirikka, Dana Rebecca Designs and Effy. A vampy lip colour with a chic ponytail completed her stunning carpet look.

Even more news is on the horizon, as Ballerini contends for Favorite Female Artist - Countryat the fan-voted American Music Awards on November 20, airing live at 8 p.m. ET on ABC. Voting opened through November 14 at amavote.com.

The singer/songwriter will also perform live during NBC's 90th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 24.

About Kelsea Ballerini

Kelsea Ballerini has launched to stardom with releasing three consecutive #1 smashes from her critically acclaimed, GOLD-certified debut album THE FIRST TIME; the PLATINUM-certified "Love Me Like You Mean It” and GOLD-certified hits “Dibs” and “Peter Pan,” making her the only female artist in Country music history, including female duos and groups, to achieve this accolade.

The talented singer/songwriter wrote all 12 songs on her debut.

Abuzz with high-profile media looks, the Black River Entertainment artist has been named “The Country Sweetheart” in People Magazine’s elite “Ones to Watch” portfolio, touted by Billboard Magazine as “Country’s Next Queen,” praised by Rolling Stone as the “Nashville It Girl,” selected as one of CMT’s Next Women of Country, and this summer co-hosted alongside Arsenio Hall on ABC’s summer replacement series Greatest Hits.

Awarded Billboard’s “Rising Star” honor at the prestigious 2015 Women In Music event, Ballerini continues to gain recognition with scoring her first-ever ACM Award win for New Female Vocalist of the Year, the fan-voted Radio Disney Music Award for The Freshest - Best New Artist (all genre), the American Country Countdown Award (ACCA) for Breakthrough Female of the Year, and most recently the 2016 CMT Artists Of The Year Breakout Artist of the Yearhonor.

Following her run on Rascal Flatts' nationwide RHYTHM & ROOTS TOUR, she is currently out on her first solo headlining tour – THE FIRST TIME TOUR.

Upcoming THE FIRST TIME TOUR Dates:

11/17 - Rosemont, IL - Joe’s Live ^

11/18 - Mahnomen, MN - Shooting Star Casino

11/19 - Minneapolis, MN - Mill City Nights ^ (SOLD OUT)

December 2016:

12/02 - New York City - Irving Plaza ~ (SOLD OUT)

12/03 - Buffalo, NY - Town Ballroom ~ (SOLD OUT)

12/08 - Los Angeles, CA - Wiltern Theatre

12/09 - Las Vegas, NV - Orleans Casino w/ special guest Cam

12/10 - Las Vegas, NV - Orleans Casino w/ special guest Cam

12/13 - Dallas, TX - House of Blues * (moved from 10/22)