Audible gasps were heard.
Which she did, but not before kicking off her heels in what felt like a game-time decision.
My East Tennessee came out didnt it?
Cibelle Levi
the 31-year-old told me after the event when asked about the shoe toss.
The stilettos were fabulous, but I just felt like I wanted a little more freedom in the moment.
Beyonce walking in 15 seconds before I went out was not on my bingo card, Ballerini said.
(Another game-time decision that was both heartfelt and authenticsee it here.)
I didnt do that withWelcome Mat,so I didnt round the edges.
If somebody asked you right now whatPatternsis aboutnot the track, but the albumwhat would you say?
Id sayPatternsis about self-assessment, womanhood, the nuance of love, and the want for growth.
It felt so connective, like everybody can relate.
Were you a difficult young adult?
I honestly feel like this is a coming-of-age song.
Does she love that I have tattoos?
No, she doesnt.
I know its not your favorite thing, but look at me.
Im a woman that you love, that youre proud of, and I took my own route.
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What did she think about the song?
Her first reaction was, Kelsea, do you think that Im not proud of you?
I was like, No, mom.
Ive never thought that.
Its so simple, but it symbolizes so much.
When you were working on the album, where did you look for inspiration?
I didnt have to look far.
I was turning 30, coming out ofthe craziest year of my life.
There was a lot to write about.
I was looking at the credits of the albumit was incredible seeing all the female collaborators.
I made the whole record with four other women.
Can you tell me a little bit about that?
Was that your idea?
How did you find them?
Did you know who you wanted?
It was my idea, but it wasnt planned.
I was very slow to start making this record because last year was the busiest year of my life.
Then I decided to just shut and lock the door.
I was like, I want to do this whole thing with you guys.
That sounds like a dream for a female artist.
It was so safe.
What that does for conversation leads to songs.
Lets talk aboutThe Voice.Youll be joining the show as a coach for season 27thats huge.
It was chaotic, and I was so nervous.
When Blake [Shelton] left, the producers came to Nashville.
They were interviewing several country artists, and I knew I was one of them.
I just want to tell you that I really want this.
I really want this job.
Sometimes you gotta just go for it.
I said, Im going to shoot my shot.
I was like, I know I can do it, and I really want it.
So it feels very full circle in that way.
I definitely feel like Im being sharpened as an artist and as a collaborator.
Im really enjoying it.
You have a lot going on at all times.
Are you ever alone?
Like, truly just by yourself?
I recently had the realization that I hadnt been alone in a long time, maybe like two years.
I used to love being alone when I was a kid.
I try now to create balance in general in my life more than I ever have.
When I spend time with people, its really intentional.
Now I feel pretty comfortable sitting with my feelings and my dialogue and my monologue.
Having a little light at the end of a tunnel, especially when its a really chaotic season.
Thats been a tool for me that I know has really helped.
And then, finding things that can be consistent no matter where I am.
And then honestly, the biggest thing for me, especially right now, is time with my dogs.
Everything else just kind of feels like it goes away for a little bit.
Do you ever feel that?
Ive recently learned a bit more about what to keep for myself.
Its not because I want to omit parts of my reality because I feel exploited.
Its because I like the idea that sometimes theres parts of my real life that are just mine.
I feel like in my experience, everyone is really respectful.
When you see stuff written about you, do you care?
Does it bother you, or are you just like, LOL moving on?
So if I see stuff, I giggle it off or Ill send it to a friend or whatever.
But other than that I venture to let em ride.
Lastly, I want to talk about country music.
What about it do you think has endeared more people to it?
There are so many genres within that.
Now with country, you pull up a playlist and you have Shaboozey.
Its so traditionally country-sounding but so new.
You have freaking Post Malone!
I love seeing how that many dynamics can make country music.
Its nice to see that happening right now in so many different ways with so many different artists.
Im definitely proud to be a part of the wave of country music that at least talks about it.
That was the first thing to tackle.
And then, obviously, there were much bigger topics and issues that we needed to get into.
Its a continuous journey that will happen forever, not just in country music, but in general.
Do you have a favorite country song of all time?
Maybe [Miranda Lamberts 2009 ballad] The House That Built Me.
Have you ever thought about what you want your legacy to be as an artist?
I mean, yes, Ive thought about it.
I honestly just want to make stuff that makes people feel something.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
