Kelsea Ballerini Debuts as TV Host on “Greatest Hits”

Kelsea Ballerini is taking a new gig—but it’s just temporary. The “Dibs” singer is co-hosting ABC’s new music show, Greatest Hits, with former talk show host Arsenio Hall.

“Basically they are highlighting the greatest hits from 1980 to 2005,” says Kelsea to Nash Country Daily. “So they have the artist that sang the hit come on and sing it or collaborate with a new artist or have an artist come in and honor that person.”

 

REO Speedwagon with Pitbull
REO Speedwagon with Pitbull

Each episode will highlight a five-year period celebrating the biggest hits from that time. The series premiere will kick off the six-week music event with hit-makers from 1980 to 1985, with performances by Pitbull, REO Speedwagon, Ray Parker Jr., Jason Derulo, Kenny Loggins, Kim Carnes, Rick Springfield and Kool & The Gang.

“There is Bonnie Raitt and Andra Day, Tori Kelly and Jewel,” Kelsea shares. “There’s Hanson—it’s incredible. They are singing their hits and there are a lot of collaborations, pairing an older artist with a newer artist. It’s not a competition show or an award show. It’s a show celebrating music and the hits that defined our time.”

Kelsea Ballerini and Arsenio Hall - Photo By Tyler Golden/ABC
Kelsea Ballerini and Arsenio Hall – Photo By Tyler Golden/ABC

Kelsea’s partner in crime for Greatest Hits is none other than actor and comedian Arsenio Hall. “I had never met Arsenio,” says Kelsea. “He’s exactly how I thought he was going to be. He’s awesome, he’s such a pro but he’s so quick-witted. I quickly realized, because I never hosted anything like this before, that the teleprompter is more of like a guideline [laughing]. We just kind of look at it and we’re like, ‘Cool,’ and then we say whatever we want and everyone’s like, ‘Oh gosh, here they go again.’ We just had a blast. It’s been awesome.”

But not to worry, Kelsea has no plans to leave singing for acting or television. “I enjoyed [hosting the show] because it’s a music show and I’m passionate about music. I’m real happy being an artist. I’m not an actress, never gonna happen ever. But yeah, it’s definitely been a great experience”

You can catch Greatest Hits when it premieres on Thursday night, June 30, on ABC at 9 p.m. ET.

Photos by Byron Cohen/ABC

Blogs

Eric Church Announces 2025 Free The Machine North American Tour

On Wednesday (April 30), Eric Church announced the dates and details of his 2025 Free The Machine Tour of North America. The 22-date arena tour starts in Pittsburgh on September 12 and finishes in Los Angeles on November 15, hitting cities like Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit, and Seattle along the way. Church will be joined by…

Eric Church Announces 2025 Free The Machine North American Tour

On Wednesday (April 30), Eric Church announced the dates and details of his 2025 Free The Machine Tour of North America. The 22-date arena tour starts in Pittsburgh on September 12 and finishes in Los Angeles on November 15, hitting cities like Philadelphia, Boston, Detroit, and Seattle along the way. Church will be joined by…

Jessi Alexander Shares Her Journey From Fledgling Artist To Hit Country Songwriter

Prior to being honored during Variety’s Power of Women: Nashville event, Jessi Alexander spoke with the publication about her journey from fledgling artist to blockbuster country songwriter. Alexander broke gender stereotypes in the Music Row writers' rooms by penning chart-topping hits like Lee Brice’s “I Drive Your Truck,” Miranda Lambert’s “Things That Break,” Blake Shelton’s…

Jessi Alexander Shares Her Journey From Fledgling Artist To Hit Country Songwriter

Prior to being honored during Variety’s Power of Women: Nashville event, Jessi Alexander spoke with the publication about her journey from fledgling artist to blockbuster country songwriter. Alexander broke gender stereotypes in the Music Row writers’ rooms by penning chart-topping hits like Lee Brice’s “I Drive Your Truck,” Miranda Lambert’s “Things That Break,” Blake Shelton’s…

Minority Stake In Morgan Wallen’s Catalog Sold By Big Loud For $200 Million

Nashville-based label Big Loud, home to Morgan Wallen, has reportedly sold a minority stake in the country superstar’s master recordings to Chord Music Partners for over $200 million. The deal is for a minority holding in Wallen’s first three studio albums, which includes his blockbuster 2023 double album, One Thing at a Time. The deal…

Minority Stake In Morgan Wallen’s Catalog Sold By Big Loud For $200 Million

Nashville-based label Big Loud, home to Morgan Wallen, has reportedly sold a minority stake in the country superstar’s master recordings to Chord Music Partners for over $200 million. The deal is for a minority holding in Wallen’s first three studio albums, which includes his blockbuster 2023 double album, One Thing at a Time. The deal…

2025 ACM Awards Will Open With 12-Minute “Songs Of The Decades’ Medley, With Special Collaborations Planned During Ceremony

The 2025 ACM Awards will begin with a 12-minute music showcase honoring ACM Award-winning Songs of the Year over six decades. The segment will feature Clint Black, Dan + Shay, Wynonna Judd, Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, and Sugarland, and will likely include hit songs like “Tequila,” “Why Not Me,” “Blue,” and “Stay” in the medley.…

2025 ACM Awards Will Open With 12-Minute “Songs Of The Decades’ Medley, With Special Collaborations Planned During Ceremony

The 2025 ACM Awards will begin with a 12-minute music showcase honoring ACM Award-winning Songs of the Year over six decades. The segment will feature Clint Black, Dan + Shay, Wynonna Judd, Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, and Sugarland, and will likely include hit songs like “Tequila,” “Why Not Me,” “Blue,” and “Stay” in the medley.…

Chase McDaniel Shares Insight Into His Debut Radio Single, “Burned Down Heaven”

Chase McDaniel believes that listening to music in real-time can have a significant impact on listeners, rather than letting an algorithm choose what they hear. The new country artist recalls three life-changing moments he’s had while hearing songs on country radio, and McDaniel hopes his first radio single, "Burned Down Heaven," has a similar effect…

Chase McDaniel Shares Insight Into His Debut Radio Single, “Burned Down Heaven”

Chase McDaniel believes that listening to music in real-time can have a significant impact on listeners, rather than letting an algorithm choose what they hear. The new country artist recalls three life-changing moments he’s had while hearing songs on country radio, and McDaniel hopes his first radio single, “Burned Down Heaven,” has a similar effect…