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

Jackson Dean Has Poured Everything He Has Into His Music

Jackson Dean, known for his high-energy live performances, will be releasing his new single "Be Your Man" on May 9. The country rocker's intense stage presence, highlighted by moments of pushing himself to the point of blacking out, has fueled his successful career following his 2022 chart-topping debut single, "Don't Come Lookin'." With a distinct…

Jackson Dean Has Poured Everything He Has Into His Music

Jackson Dean, known for his high-energy live performances, will be releasing his new single “Be Your Man” on May 9. The country rocker’s intense stage presence, highlighted by moments of pushing himself to the point of blacking out, has fueled his successful career following his 2022 chart-topping debut single, “Don’t Come Lookin’.” With a distinct…

LOCASH Share Insight Into New Album ‘Bet The Farm’

Chart-topping Nashville country duo LOCASH recently joined Rob + Holly on the Friday Night Takeover to discuss their forthcoming album, Bet The Farm, which is set to be released on Friday (April 18). LOCASH members Chris Lucas and Preston Brust shared insight into their highly-anticiapted new record, which features their current hit single, “Hometown Home,”…

LOCASH Share Insight Into New Album ‘Bet The Farm’

Chart-topping Nashville country duo LOCASH recently joined Rob + Holly on the Friday Night Takeover to discuss their forthcoming album, Bet The Farm, which is set to be released on Friday (April 18). LOCASH members Chris Lucas and Preston Brust shared insight into their highly-anticiapted new record, which features their current hit single, “Hometown Home,”…

Zach Bryan Praises Bon Iver’s New Album, ‘SABLE, fABLE’

Zach Bryan recently took to his Instagram Stories to salute Bon Iver's latest album, SABLE, fABLE, expressing his admiration for the project that was released on April 11 to praise from fans and critics alike. Noteworthy for his consistent support of music he appreciates, the country superstar revealed that he has “Been with the record…

Zach Bryan Praises Bon Iver’s New Album, ‘SABLE, fABLE’

Zach Bryan recently took to his Instagram Stories to salute Bon Iver’s latest album, SABLE, fABLE, expressing his admiration for the project that was released on April 11 to praise from fans and critics alike. Noteworthy for his consistent support of music he appreciates, the country superstar revealed that he has “Been with the record…

Luke Bryan “Got Roped Into” Watching Katy Perry’s Spaceflight, “Wanted It To Not” Blow Up

During an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Tuesday (April 15), Luke Bryan shared that he unexpectedly found himself intrigued by the livestream featuring fellow American Idol judge Katy Perry's all-female space flight on Monday (April 14). The country star's interest was piqued while scrolling through Instagram on his morning farm walk, leading him to…

Luke Bryan “Got Roped Into” Watching Katy Perry’s Spaceflight, “Wanted It To Not” Blow Up

During an interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live on Tuesday (April 15), Luke Bryan shared that he unexpectedly found himself intrigued by the livestream featuring fellow American Idol judge Katy Perry’s all-female space flight on Monday (April 14). The country star’s interest was piqued while scrolling through Instagram on his morning farm walk, leading him to…

Jelly Roll And Melissa Etheridge Selected As Co-Chairs For Mobilize Recovery’s 2025 College ‘Campus Surge’ Initiative

Mobilize Recovery has named Jelly Roll, Melissa Etheridge, and Noah Thompson as co-chairs for their 2025 Campus Surge initiative, which highlights their commitment to addiction recovery awareness and advocacy. The country singers will also be joined for this program by coach Scott Cochran and Sheriff Karl Leonard. Jelly Roll is known for both his music…

Jelly Roll And Melissa Etheridge Selected As Co-Chairs For Mobilize Recovery’s 2025 College ‘Campus Surge’ Initiative

Mobilize Recovery has named Jelly Roll, Melissa Etheridge, and Noah Thompson as co-chairs for their 2025 Campus Surge initiative, which highlights their commitment to addiction recovery awareness and advocacy. The country singers will also be joined for this program by coach Scott Cochran and Sheriff Karl Leonard. Jelly Roll is known for both his music…