Kelsea Ballerini - QMU 23/02/2023

Kelsea delivered a powerful performance that was both soulful and energetic.

Kelsea Ballerini burst into the country music scene in 2014, when the 19 year old at the time singer signed a record deal with Black River Entertainment. She earned a spot in the line up of Country 2 Country 2018, where she supported 2 titans of the country music scene, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw, but in most recent times she has been making headlines for her bitter divorce from husband Morgan Evans, as well as gossip over who her new partner is.

Her personal life aside, Kelsea Ballerini is a talented country music singer and songwriter who has made a name for herself with her catchy songs and powerful vocals. Her music is a unique blend of traditional country and pop influences, making it accessible to a wide range of fans of the genre. She announced her first headline tour in 3 years and was stopping by in Glasgows Queen Margaret Union.


Kelsea Ballerini performing at the OVO Hydro in 2018 (photo by Stewart Fullerton)

After support from Tiktok star Georgia Webster, the stage went dark to the music of Shania Twains Man I Feel Like A Woman, as Kelsea entered the stage. The set began with Subject To Change, The Little Things and Heartfirst, she had the audience in full watch and she seemed a lot more calmer and confident than 5 years ago at the Hydro, the rich and expressive voice of hers was perfectly suited to country music.

Kelsea paused the show to interact with the audience, It was her first gig in Scotlands most populous city for over 3 years, and she spoke of her delight to the crowd of being able to tour again, she was also happy to play in a far smaller venue that she was used to, with the QMU holding a mere 900 people, the small humble venue was packed to full capacity.


Kelsea Ballerini at the QMU (photo by Stewart Fullerton)

She continued the set with a few of some of her older songs, such as her debut single Love Me Like You Mean It, Dibs and Yeah Boy, the crowd were indulged by the performance and there was a sea of phones, everybody wanted to capture footage of what was happening.

The set continued with the likes of Half Of My Hometown, Hole in The Bottle, Youre Drunk Go Home as well as The Chainsmokers song, This Feeling, which she was featured in, delivering those powerful vocals which had the crowd engaged throughout the entire night.

Kelsea is also known to connect with her fans on a personal level, and she was open about what was happening in her personal life at the concert, mostly notably her divorce, but she swept the heartache away tonight, with songs like Penthouse, Peter Pan and Miss Me More.

Good things have to come to an end though as the gig concluded with Doin My Best, as Kelsea left the stage and the jubilant audience cheered her goodbye... for now, with everyone leaving the venue jolly and happy.


Kelsea Ballerini at the QMU (photo by Stewart Fullerton)

Overall, the gig illustrated that Kelsea Ballerini is a rising star in the world of country music, with a bright future ahead of her. Her music is accessible, relatable, and emotionally resonant, making her a favourite among fans of all ages, and she delivered a powerful performance that was both soulful and energetic.

If youre a fan of country music, Kelsea Ballerini is definitely an artist to check out.

You can view a full photo gallery of the concert by clicking the link below.

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Review and photography by Stewart Fullerton

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