December has always been a special month for Kelsea Ballerini: Two years ago on Christmas Day, she got engaged to fellow country singer Morgan Evans. In December 2017, she and Morgan became husband and wife, and on December 2 they celebrated their first anniversary. To cap it all off, Ballerini, 25, will close out the year with her first performance on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest.
“It’s a perfect way to end a beautiful year and begin this next season,” Ballerini tells Glamour.com. “I’ve watched New Year’s Rockin’ Eve every year growing up, so I can’t wait to count down to midnight and jam!”
Personal highlights aside, 2018 was full of professional achievements: She celebrated the success of her third studio album, Unapologetically, toured with Keith Urban, collaborated with The Chainsmokers, joined The Voice as a special coach, and was nominated for her second Grammy award (Best Country Album). “This was a year of pushing myself,” she says. “Everything was intentionally out of my comfort zone.”
Ballerini says that because of those risks, she feels stronger as an artist and more inspired than ever. Case in point: Next month she’ll join Kelly Clarkson on “The Miss Me More” tour, and then in February it’s off to the Grammys.
Until then—and before the ball drops—we asked Ballerini to take one more look back and tell us about the songs that meant the most to her this year. From a “badass” jam to a Taylor Swift fave, there’s something for everyone. Play on!
“Without Me” by Halsey
“[You can] leave all the heartbreak behind with this jam.”
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“Dance to This” (ft. Ariana Grande) by Troye Sivan
“Whether you’re celebrating with friends and family [at home] or out at a big party, this one makes you move.”
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“New Year’s Day” by Taylor Swift
“Tay has a song for everything. :)”
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“La Di Da” by Lennon Stella
“[My] 2019 resolution to things that don’t matter: ‘la da da di da.’”
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“Closer to You” by Carly Pearce
“This one is for all the new lovers that 2018 brought together. The best feeling in the world!”
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“The Way You Look Tonight” by Michael Bublé
“This song makes all of my party playlists. It’s the classic that takes everyone to a sweet, nostalgic place.”
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“Get the Party Started” by P!nk
“This is the perfect song to play when you’re getting your glitter on before the big night. Plus, singing along to P!nk in the mirror makes you feel like a badass.”
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“Day Drunk” by Morgan Evans
“I get to share my midnight kiss with this handsome guy, and this song can put anyone in a celebratory mood.”
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“This Feeling” by The Chainsmokers (ft. me!)
“Being a part of this song has been one of my favorite parts of 2018. I love these guys, and I love the message of always leading with your heart.”
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“There’s No Way” by Lauv (ft. Julia Michaels)
“Two of my favorite voices and songwriters together made one of my favorite jams of the year.”
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Kelsea Ballerini performs at Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest on Monday, December 31 on ABC.