Kelsea Ballerini and Taylor Swift Are Still Besties
Even though they both have busy schedules, Kelsea Ballerini and Taylor Swift make time to spend together. The ladies each posted an Instagram photo of themselves hanging out in a window seat sipping coffee together, with Ballerini noting they spent time cooking and hanging out with some cats (presumably Swift’s).
The pair have been friends for a while; Swift’s endorsement is a large part of Ballerini's rise to stardom. Swift attended Ballerini’s housewarming party in Nashville, and Ballerini performed on stage with Swift during her 1989 Tour.
“It was amazing. It was so full!” Ballerini told Taste of Country. “[Taylor] sent me a letter and a picture saying ‘thank you,’ and I looked at the picture and I’m like, ‘I cannot believe that even happened. I need to put this away right now’."
Swift found Ballerini’s EP before the full record was out, long before Ballerini was a chart-topper. Her public sanction of the music was enough to jumpstart Ballerini’s career, as well as a friendship between the two. Ballerini says Swift has been a sort of mentor to her, especially as the "Love Me Like You Mean It" singer is just beginning her career as a 22-year-old.
"I was trying really hard to be very polished, give the perfect answer and use my media training and all that stuff, and that’s just not who I am. I’m 22 years old,” Ballerini explains. “She told me, ‘It’s going to feel like too-cool-for-school wins sometimes. Just know that in the long run, being warm and human and you is going to win. It might take longer and it might not seem recognized sometimes, but that’s what’s going to win.’"
The two are now besties, and Ballerini regularly appears in Swift’s Instagram photos when they can both find time to be in the same place.
Swift recently wrapped up her 1989 World Tour, while Ballerini has just released her new single “XO” off her debut album The First Time, which she performed a rock-infused version of on Late Night With Seth Meyers. She joins Billy Currington on select dates of his Summer Forever Tour later this year.
Watch Kelsea Ballerini Sing "Dibs" Acoustic