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PEOPLE & ARTS Wednesday 8 november 2017
Kelsea Ballerini might be country’s next star

By KRISTIN M. HALL cal songs, as she recounts
Associated Press her transition from a “guitar
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — to a Grammy.” The defin-
Country singer Kelsea Bal- ing line of the track for Bal-
lerini got the text of a life- lerini was, “Sometimes I’m
time recently. my mother’s daughter and
“The other day I got a text sometimes I’m her friend.”
from a mutual friend that Ballerini credits her mother
said, ‘Are you in Nashville? with helping her through
Reba wants to grab a these important life mo-
drink,’” Ballerini recalled. ments, and the song ends
That was, of course, the with a voicemail recording
one and only Reba McEn- of her mother. “I surprised
tire, one of country music’s her with it,” Ballerini said. “I
reigning queens. sent her the song without it
“I was like, ‘Yeah, yeah, because that was an addi-
yeah!’” Ballerini said excit- tion like two weeks before
edly. The singers, both nom- the album came out. It was
inated for female vocalist a super last minute idea.
of the year at Wednesday’s Oh gosh, she was so excit-
Country Music Associa- ed.”
tion Awards, will perform a
duet of Ballerini’s new song, THE LOVE
“Legends,” at the show in The song “Unapologetical-
Nashville, Tennessee. ly” was written just weeks
“I am so glad (Reba) did after Ballerini met her fian-
reach out to do that be- cé Morgan Evans, an Aus-
cause we didn’t even talk tralian-born country singer.
about music. We just hung In this Jan. 26, 2017, file photo, Kelsea Ballerini poses in Nashville, Tenn. Associated Press “I always had a rule for my-
out and got to know each Ballerini is on the verge and without looking at the “With young love so many self that I would never ever
other,” said Ballerini. of another big year with credits, know that I wrote times, especially with date an artist,” Ballerini said
The meet-up proves that her sophomore record, every song.” young girls, we invest ev- with a laugh.
in a couple short years the “Unapologetically,” re- Here’s a look at some of erything we can into a re- “Then life happened.” The
24-year-old Ballerini has leased last week. It tells a the key songs of the album. lationship and at the end sweet love song, in which
proven her place among smart and catchy story of of it, you really think you’re Evans sings backup vocals,
country music’s biggest the Knoxville native who THE BREAKUP going to be sad about los- shows Ballerini ready to
stars. moved to Nashville at 15, “Miss Me More” is both ing this person or losing the jump into the relationship
Her 2015 debut album stayed true to her identity parts a Britney Spears- time you spent with them,” despite what others might
had multiple radio hits and and found love. She struc- esque breakup song and Ballerini said. “But you really think.
earned her awards. She tured the album into chap- anthem to preserving your look in the mirror and you “If it’s serious, they are go-
was even nominated for ters of her life, starting off a identity in a relationship. realize you lost yourself and ing to say I am too young
best new artist at this year’s little dark and ending on a Ballerini details the real-life that’s the saddest part.” and they are going to say
Grammys. And performing high note. experience of a man telling it’s too fast,” Ballerini said.
rights organization ASCAP “It was like fitting a puzzle her not to wear high heels THE TRANSITION “This is me saying that I
will give her the Vanguard together,” Ballerini said. “I “’cause I couldn’t be taller “In Between” is one of Bal- don’t care. It’s so freeing to
Award on Monday. want people to listen to it than you.” lerini’s most autobiographi- say that.”q

“Hamilton” creator visits Puerto

Rico, announces $2.5M fund

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico $100,000 for reconstruction in Puerto Rico is not a sim-
(AP) — “Hamilton” creator projects. ple one nor is it one that
Lin-Manuel Miranda made A portion of a grant can be relies solely on aid from the
sandwiches, took selfies used for emergency relief American government on
and announced a partner- efforts including food, wa- the mainland,” Miranda
ship with a nonprofit group ter or shelter, officials said. said.
for a $2.5 million hurricane Hurricane Maria hit Puerto “Together, we will culti-
recovery fund during a trip Rico on Sept. 20 as a Cat- vate, fund and execute
Tuesday to Puerto Rico. egory 4 storm, destroying practical and actionable
Miranda said seven lo- homes and power lines solutions to kick-start and
cal groups already have and leaving tens of thou- continue the island’s road
received grants from the sands of people without to recovery for years to
New York-based Hispanic work. Nearly 40 of Puerto come.”
Federation, which helps Rico’s 78 municipalities Miranda also is scheduled
Latino agencies. are still without power and to meet with students on
The organization said it will nearly 20 percent of the Wednesday at the Univer- Actor and composer of Puerto Rican descent Lin Manuel
Miranda stands in front of a mural in La Placita de Güisin, in
award at least 25 grants island remains without wa- sity of Puerto Rico in Rio Vega Alta, Puerto Rico, Tuesday, Nov. 7, 2017.
ranging from $50,000 to ter. “The road to recovery Piedras.q Associated Press