Frankie Ballard Gets Taylor Swift’s ‘Stamp of Approval,’ Tour Opening Spot

Earlier this week, Taylor Swift announced the opening acts and tour itinerary for her 2011 Speak Now World tour, which kicks off in Omaha, Neb. on May 27. Among the openers is hot newcomer, Frankie Ballard, who has been tearing up the charts with his debut single, 'Tell Me You Get Lonely,' and new hit released to radio this week, 'A Buncha Girls.'

Ballard was humbled by the opportunity to join the superstar on the first leg of her tour, covering seven cities and nine shows, including Detroit on June 11, which isn't too far off from Battle Creek, Mich., where the singer was born and raised.

"I am so excited," Ballard tells Taste of Country. "I am so lucky and so blessed that she wants me to open for her. It’s just so cool to have her stamp of approval. She’s so big and so loved, and everybody respects her and everything she says. Taylor is the biggest thing in country music right now -- in all of music, really -- so to have her sign off on me, in a way, and have me go out on tour with her is an incredible opportunity. I am so excited to get my music out there in front of her fans. I think it's something they are going to dig."

Ballard just wrapped up work in the studio on his debut album on Warner Bros. Records which is slated for release later this summer. In the meantime, fans can log onto the singer's website to purchase an exclusive 'Tour Six Pak' EP that includes 'Tell Me You Get Lonely.'

For a complete list of dates where Ballard will be performing with Swift and on his own, or to order his six-song EP, visit his website by clicking here.