Carly Pearce Opens Up About Rediscovering Happiness and Her Lasting Friendship With Kelsea Ballerini
By Website Content Manager
“What we share is something truly special, and I don’t feel like I need anyone else,” Pearce said.
After spending roughly ten years building her career in country music, Carly Pearce says the way she views both her personal life and her profession has changed considerably. That evolution has affected not only her approach to making music but also the way she invests in the people closest to her.
Among the relationships that have stood the test of time is Pearce’s friendship with fellow country star Kelsea Ballerini. The pair crossed paths when Ballerini was 19 and Pearce was 23. Both were young artists attempting to establish themselves in Nashville and figure out their respective places in the industry.
Pearce recently discussed their friendship during an appearance on Alchemy with Anthony Mason, recalling that the two connected relatively quickly. However, their relationship did not begin without a little professional jealousy. Pearce admitted that she initially struggled with seeing Ballerini secure a record deal while she was still an independent artist chasing the same opportunity.
At the time, Pearce questioned how someone so young had already managed to land a record contract while she was still waiting for her own breakthrough.
Those feelings eventually disappeared as the two became closer. Pearce came to realize that Ballerini was someone who genuinely understood the unique pressures that come with being a country artist.
Over the years, they have supported one another through different stages of their careers and personal lives. Pearce explained that she can turn to Ballerini knowing she will understand what she is going through, and that the feeling works both ways. Because relatively few people can relate to the realities of their profession, their ability to be completely understood by one another has become especially valuable.
Their friendship has also crossed over into their professional lives. Pearce and Ballerini previously joined forces with Kelly Clarkson on the song “You’re Drunk, Go Home,” giving listeners a taste of the chemistry between the three artists.
Pearce went on to explain that genuine friendships can be difficult to establish, particularly within the entertainment business. She said that the connection she shares with Ballerini is so meaningful that she doesn’t feel the need to seek out a large circle of other friends.
Their bond has continued to deepen as they’ve grown older together. Away from the spotlight, the two are known for spending time together, sharing plenty of personal stories and creating memories over glasses of wine.
During a recent “Sip or Spill” segment with Entertainment Tonight, Pearce was asked to reveal the wildest thing she and Ballerini had ever done together. Rather than disclose the story, Pearce opted to take a drink—leaving the details to the imagination.