Adam Levine and Kelsea Ballerini formed an instant connection on ‘The Voice,’ with the country superstar joining as a first-time coach for season 27. Their bond is reminiscent of Levine’s previous friendship with Blake Shelton, characterized by mutual respect and admiration.
Adam Levine and Kelsea Ballerini ‘Instantly’ Became Friends on “The Voice.” Why She Reminds Him of Blake Shelton (Exclusive)
Kelsea Ballerini is a country music singer-songwriter known for her powerful vocals and relatable lyrics.
Born in 1993, she began writing songs at age 12 and was signed to Black River Publishing by 2012.
Her debut single 'Love Me Like You Mean It' topped the US Country charts in 2014.
Ballerini's second album 'Unapologetically' (2017) featured hits like 'Legends' and 'High School.' She has won several awards, including two Academy of Country Music Awards and a Country Music Association Award.
Adam Levine and Kelsea Ballerini became fast friends on The Voice set. The country superstar joined the singing competition as a first-time coach for season 27 at the same time the Maroon 5 frontman returned to his chair after a five-year break.
Their instant connection is reminiscent of Levine’s previous friendship with fellow coach Blake Shelton. ‘We got along famously instantly — like a nice, friendly, sweet version of when I met Blake,’ Levine says of his bond with Ballerini. He likens their relationship to his on-set friendship with Shelton, which he describes as a ‘frenemy’ dynamic.
Levine praises Ballerini for being unapologetically herself, saying there’s no BS to her. This trait became apparent during a performance with fellow coaches John Legend and Michael Bublé. Levine recalls that Ballerini looked up at him and asked if he was going to pretend to like them. The response left him laughing and impressed by their instant friendship.
Kelsea Ballerini is known for her down-to-earth and relatable persona.
Born on September 12, 1993, in Mascot, Tennessee, she rose to fame with her debut single 'Love Me Like You Mean It' in 2014.
Her music often reflects her small-town roots and experiences.
With a strong online presence, Ballerini engages with fans through social media, showcasing her authenticity and vulnerability.
She has been open about her struggles with anxiety and relationships, making her a beloved and respected figure in the country music scene.
As a seasoned coach on the show, Levine believes Ballerini is a natural fit for The Voice. He appreciates her authenticity and willingness to take risks with her music. ‘What I like about her is that what you see is what you get, ‘ he adds. “A lot of things these days are manufactured, but she’s been really tried-and-true to who she is and unafraid to do what she wants to do musically.”
Ballerini’s rise to stardom coincides with her appearance on The Voice. As she continues to achieve major career milestones, including a first headlining arena tour and an entertainer of the year nomination at the 2025 ACM Awards, Levine notes that she handles it all with poise and grace.
Kelsea Ballerini is a multi-platinum, award-winning American country pop singer-songwriter.
Born on September 12, 1993, in Mascot, Tennessee, she began writing songs at age 13.
After signing with Black River Entertainment in 2013, her debut single 'Love Me Like You Mean It' reached number one on the US Country charts.
Her self-titled album (2014) and 'The First Time' (2015) solidified her country-pop sound.
With over 10 million records sold worldwide, Ballerini has won numerous awards, including four Academy of Country Music Awards.
The two coaches also share a deep appreciation for each other’s work. Ballerini has covered John Legend’s songs multiple times and has been a fan of Maroon 5 since childhood. Their bond is evident in their conversations, which are filled with mutual respect and admiration.
