Performing beneath Europe's largest glitter ball in a central London hotel, Kelsea Ballerini joked that she could fit her whole band inside it. "We could roll from show to show like hamsters," the 26-year-old said ahead of her acoustic set for fans and the press.
The set showcased her range, from the Nashville twang of Peter Pan to the pop-infused Miss Me More and the Chainsmokers collaboration This Feeling. But the highlight was her new single, Homecoming Queen, a heartfelt ballad about low self-esteem.
The song's video sees Ballerini walking off stage in triumph before her high heels and hair extensions fade away, leaving her alone and sobbing. "I was just in this abyss," she recalled. She explained that she had been "feeling really painfully insecure" while only sharing the positive moments of her life on social media, and wanted to encourage others to show their vulnerable side. "I wanted to be the first one to be like, 'Well, here's an ugly cry!'"
Homecoming Queen is the first taste of her eagerly anticipated third album. Ten songs are done, with hundreds written. "We're trying to figure what other colours and textures we need," she said, adding that the record includes a song with horns, a song with a string quartet, and two contrasting collaborations. Unlike her previous concept-driven album, she took a different approach: "I took the pressure off having a concept and just let myself write."
Ballerini also reflected on being inducted into the Grand Ole Opry earlier this year at the age of 25. She was performing at the Opry alongside Little Big Town when they texted her about singing "Girl Crush" with them. Instead, they surprised her with an invitation to join the Opry in four-part harmony. She also mentioned that Beyoncé's sister once stole her luggage, though she did not elaborate.
