LOS ANGELES — Kelsea Ballerini, a recognized superstar in the country music scene, is stepping into the acting spotlight.
In a significant career shift, Ballerini is making her acting debut in the much-anticipated episode of “Doctor Odyssey,” where she portrays a bridezilla embroiled in chaos on board the illustrious cruise ship Odyssey.
“She is doing her best and she is stressed out and there’s a lot going on and it’s very emotionally complex,” Ballerini shared in an interview with On The Red Carpet. “All I can tell you is that, quite literally, my entryway into acting was screaming and crying and throwing up for two weeks on set.” This candid glimpse into her experience unveils the emotional depth she sought to capture in her performance.
Well, that sounds dramatic! However, relishing the challenge added a layer of excitement for Ballerini, who embraces the chaos of her new role.
“It’s giving drama and romance and medical emergencies all in one and of course the Ryan Murphy touch, a little razzle dazzle on top,” she described enthusiastically. “When I was asked to do this role, first of all, I was so flattered. I never acted before, and it’s kind of been on my bucket list of, ‘can I enter into this world? I want to.’ It was such an honor because I’m such a Ryan Murphy fan!”
While she is excited to pursue more acting opportunities in the future, Ballerini emphasizes that her heart remains anchored in her first love: music. Her latest album, “Patterns,” is currently available for fans to enjoy.
“Music is my baby. I protect it with everything I have,” Ballerini explained. “Making the record, putting it out, and touring it is the thing I care about the most. The women I admire greatly in my life, my peers and heroes, are multi-faceted. They do all the things… I’m just opening myself up to doing more. Acting for the first time on a show like this is new, challenging, and so fulfilling. So I think I just have my arms open to see what’s next.”
What’s on the horizon for Ballerini includes the prestigious CMA Awards, where she is nominated for both Female Vocalist of the Year and Musical Event of the Year for her collaboration “Cowboys Cry Too” alongside Noah Kahan. The CMAs have become a significant highlight in the singer’s journey, reflecting her growth and achievements over the years.
“Being able to go as a fan for a long time and then as an artist, as a nominee and a performer, that growth has been such a beautiful journey and I’m honored to be nominated for these awards,” she said, her pride evident.
The CMA Awards are set to air on Wednesday, November 20, exclusively on ABC.
But first, audiences can catch Kelsea Ballerini in her acting debut on “Doctor Odyssey” tonight at 9pm EST/8pm CST on ABC, with the episode available for streaming the following day on Hulu.
The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Hulu and this ABC station.
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**Interview with Kelsea Ballerini**
**Editor:** Kelsea, thank you for joining us! You’re stepping into acting with your role in “Doctor Odyssey.” Can you tell us about your character and what drew you to this project?
**Kelsea Ballerini:** Thank you for having me! I portray a bridezilla who’s in the midst of a chaotic adventure aboard the cruise ship Odyssey. It’s a really complex role, filled with a lot of emotional highs and lows. When I was offered the part, I was flattered and excited — acting has always been on my bucket list, and to do it with someone like Ryan Murphy was a dream come true!
**Editor:** It sounds like quite a challenge! You mentioned that your entry into acting was filled with some intense emotions. Can you elaborate on that?
**Kelsea Ballerini:** Absolutely! It was a whirlwind experience — I spent the first two weeks on set genuinely screaming, crying, and even feeling overwhelmed at times. It was all part of embodying that stress my character faces, and I wanted to portray her authenticity. It was daunting but also exhilarating!
**Editor:** With all the drama in the plot, what can viewers expect from the episode?
**Kelsea Ballerini:** Expect a mix of drama, romance, and even some medical emergencies, all with that signature Ryan Murphy magic sprinkled in! It truly feels like a rollercoaster of emotions. I’m really excited for fans to see it!
**Editor:** As you embark on this new journey in acting, how do you balance it with your music career?
**Kelsea Ballerini:** Music will always be my first love. My latest album, “Patterns,” is out and I encourage everyone to listen to it. While I’m eager to explore more acting opportunities, my heart remains deeply rooted in music. The two can coexist, and I’m excited to see where it all takes me.
**Editor:** Thank you, Kelsea! We can’t wait to see you in “Doctor Odyssey” and to hear more of your music!
**Kelsea Ballerini:** Thank you! I appreciate the support, and I hope everyone enjoys the show!
