Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for MTV

Kelsea Ballerini has been named to Time‘s Next 100 List.

Kelsea’s friend Shania Twain wrote her introduction. “As a veteran songwriter, I’m always looking for authenticity, and I’m really inspired by clever songwriting — songwriting that is not only thought-provoking and meaningful but most of all original. Kelsea writes with all those qualities. She isn’t afraid to be vulnerable and really brave with her songwriting.”

Twain fondly recalls her initial encounter with Kelsea Ballerini at a country music awards show, marvelling at the young artist’s exceptional songwriting talent. She commends Ballerini for her “thought-provoking,” “meaningful,” and “original” songwriting style.

In her tribute to Ballerini, Twain also praises her decision to share the stage with a group of drag queens at the 2022 CMT Music Awards, a bold move that garnered both praise and criticism from viewers. “In those moments,” Twain notes, “Kelsea exudes a profound sense of self. She knows where her heart lies and consistently champions love and inclusivity.”

In an interview with Time regarding her inclusion in the Time100 Next list, Ballerini highlights that her performance at the CMT Music Awards coincided with a surge in anti-drag legislation in her home state of Tennessee. She explains, “Not only was I hosting the CMT Awards, but I also had a performance for a song of mine that celebrates friendship and standing up for those you love, being unwavering in your support for your people. I realized that this was the perfect, important, and powerful platform to make that statement, and CMT was fully supportive of the idea.”

Also making the list are football phenom Jalen Hurts and Hailey Bieber.