‘Catch of the Day’ – Kelsea Ballerini – “XO” [AUDIO]

Today our focus is on the latest single from an up-and-coming singer from Tennessee. A single that quite probably has the shortest title in the history of popular music.

Kelsea Ballerini was born in Mascot Tennessee and raised in Knoxville. He father was a radio personality and program director in the Knoxville area. Kelsea began taking dance lessons at age 3, and began performing in the local church choir soon after that. When she was old enough to begin school, she would also perform in school choirs.

The song began a slow, 38 week, climb up the chart, debuting at #60 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart on October 18th. On July 4th, 2015 Ballerini became only the 11th female artist in history to take their debut single to #1. She was the first female artist to accomplish the feat since Carrie Underwood went to #1 in 2006 with "Jesus Take The Wheel". The following week the song was certified gold by the RIAA.

In May of 2015, Black River released Ballerini's debut album, The First Time. The second single from the album, "Dibs" was released in July, and is currently rising up the top-10 of the charts.

Kelsea's approach to music is rooted in a vulnerable place. Turning to songwriting to help her through her parents' divorce, she first discovered lyrics and stories, and Kelsea knew she had found a creative home in country music. She continued to uncover strength and inspiration from artists such as Shania Twain, Taylor Swift and Rascal Flatts, and along with friends Maddie & Tae, she has written songs to inspire and empower young women.

Her latest single, in that same vain, is in our spotlight today. The upcoming third single from The First Time, Kelsea Ballerini and "XO" (possibly the shortest song title in the history of music) is today's Catch of the Day, new music you haven't heard, but you'll want to hear it again.