Kelsea Ballerini Named Billboard’s 2015 Women In Music “Rising Star”

2015 is turning out to be one heck of a year for Kelsea Ballerini. On top of releasing her debut album, The First Time, Ballerini scored her first No.1 with “Love Me Like You Mean It,” and was nominated for two CMA Awards. But that’s not all for the singer…

Ballerini has been selected as Billboard’s 2015 Women in Music “Rising Star” honoree. The award recognizes an artist who demonstrates a clear path to success through their chart dominance and talent.

“At 22, Kelsea Ballerini already has a career to kill for, from a hit song to award nominations and even a stop at the famed Grand Ole Opry,” said Janice Min, co-president and chief creative officer of Guggenheim Media’s Entertainment Group, which consists of Billboard and The Hollywood Reporter. “Much like Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift before, Kelsea is a powerful songwriter and singer that has Nashville a buzz. Expertly bridging the pop-country gap, her songs have heart and it is only the beginning.”

Lifetime will air the 2015 Billboard Women in Music Awards on December 18, bringing the event to a mass audience for the first time. Ballerini is slated to perform and be presented with the Rising Star award at the ceremony. The event will also honor Women of the Year Lady Gaga, Powerhouse artist Brittany Howard, Chart Topper Selena Gomez, Rulebreaker Demi Lovato and Group of the Year Fifth Harmony. Last year, the Rising Star award was given to Ariana Grande.