Kelsea Ballerini may be that country pop singer who has the ability to transcend genres, but her jubilation, exemplified in the premiere of The Voice Season 27, proves that passion, heart, and genuine love for music are what will make the perfect coach. Unlike some coaches of the past, this is not a passing gig for Kelsea Ballerini. She truly wants to be a coach to help the next generation of musicians.

As the only rookie of the season, she is feeling the pressure, but her ambition and drive to be the best coach makes the rotating door of coaches worthwhile. Having experience with the Comeback Stage, sitting in for Kelly Clarkson during Season 15, and being an advisor on Season 16, she’s no stranger to the show, but this newfound position is where she belongs.

Kelsea Ballerini Is a Game Changer on ‘The Voice’

For some fans of The Voice, it may be difficult to see new people come in season after season, trying to create cohesion and chemistry. Gone are the days of the multi-year arc between Blake Shelton and Adam Levine, developing reality television’s favorite bromance. Instead, a popular new artist comes in to generate buzz and invite new viewers in. But then, you have someone like Kelsea Ballerini who defies the fear of new. Already, one episode in, Kelsea Ballerini is changing the game.

In one episode, Kelsea Ballerini has already broken the mold. She took the already peculiar Coaches’ Replay Button and utilized it in a manner no one did during the previous season. She realized she made an “oopsie” in passing on Dan Kiernan, despite two chairs turning from John Legend and Michael Bublé, so she was willing to own her mistake and fight for the singer. And she ended up winning the singer, who saw her passion and decided to join her team. He’s honored to wear the Tecovas cowboy boots she gifted to her team.

As the sole country representative this season, she has big shoes to fill. Especially occupying the chair Reba McEntire, the Queen of Country, sat in for two seasons. She satisfies the need to have a country voice in the room while reminding artists that she is bigger than a genre. Her artistry goes beyond the box. Ballerini is an appealing coach for many of these aspiring artists because she’s making her mark in music in real time. She may not be a product of a reality show, but she’s fought hard by pulling at her leather bootstraps. She put the hard work in to excel in the industry, and is willing to put in the same effort with the individuals standing across from her.

This Country Coach Is Here for the Artists

Oftentimes on The Voice, the feedback the coaches provide is heavy in generalities. It’s accessible for the viewers, but it can be a bit light in substance for the artists. In order to grow in the industry, these singers, whether they earn a chair turn or not, need to hear the truth. Littering singers with false hopes and empty promises is a detriment. Ballerini has made it clear that’s not why she’s there. Whether she’s pitching for the singer to join her team, helping another coach in their pitch, or uplifting a fallen artist after their unsuccessful audition, Kelsea Ballerini is providing substance. As Ben Folds did back in the day on The Sing Off, Kelsea Ballerini is providing constructive feedback that’s meant to help the artists develop and hone their skills. Whether they’re on her team or not, she makes the singers feel valued and worthy. This is a game where singers may change teams due to circumstance, and this bubbly approach not only exemplifies her personality but also acts as a strategic safety net for future rounds.

Many times, it’s not a smart strategic move for a coach to blow their wad early in the auditions. You never know who might be coming down the pipeline. Kelsea Ballerini doesn’t seem to care. Her heart is telling her to move fast so as not to miss out on an opportunity; in the first episode, she’s already filled a quarter of her 12-person roster. That fire and ambition showcase her desire to win and mentor. Their success is her success. The light in her eyes is something quite magical to watch as a viewer.

Kelsea Ballerini is an icon in her own right. Whether defending Beyoncé from the swarms of naysayers or performing with a group of drag queens to make a stand, Kelsea Ballerini is an artist for the underdog. It makes her a perfect coach on The Voice. She is a breath of fresh air representing a new generation of the music dream. Her determination and drive show that she is eager to do what it takes to win. She’s representing women and country music this season and is exactly what The Voice needs right now!

The Voice airs Mondays on NBC. All episodes are available to stream on Peacock in the U.S.