In a new interview with US99’s Scotty Kay, Kelsea Ballerini thought back on all the small shows that eventually led her headlining her first arena tour in 2025. Ballerini’s high-profile run of shows got underway on Tuesday (January 21) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, but the 31-year-old country superstar couldn’t help but reflect on all the gigs that got her to this point. “It’s been such a journey,” she said about her career. “There have been so many times in the last decade where I’ve been like, ‘Am I ever going to be able to make that jump from the big room?’” Ballerini poured her heart into her shows no matter the size of the room, which is why audiences connected with her. “They’re all such good memories and there were no sets that were skipped,” she recalls. “Going from the Texas Roadhouse to the local bar and then the club and then the theatre. I’ve gotten to see every side of each of these cities, which is really special.” (Audacy)