New Artist Spotlight: Kelli Belles – The Rising Star Making Waves in Country Music

Emerging from the heartlands of Omaha, Nebraska, Kelli Belles is quickly becoming one of Nashville's most promising new voices. With a rich storytelling style, crystal-clear vocals, and a genuine connection to her fans, Belles brings a refreshing and grounded authenticity to country music.

Photo Credit: Libby Danforth

Belles’ journey from her hometown to the heart of country music began in 2018 when she moved to Nashville. In the years since, she’s collaborated with some of the industry's best songwriters, co-creating tracks that have earned her an impressive 70 million views and streams across platforms. Her songwriting partners read like a who’s who of Music Row: Reid Isbell (known for Luke Combs’ “The Kind of Love We Make”), Jenn Schott (responsible for Tim McGraw’s hits), Heath Warren (who co-penned Bailey Zimmerman’s “Rock and A Hard Place”), Johnny Gates, and even Grammy-nominated producer Ned Cameron. Together, they’ve crafted songs that resonate with listeners and showcase Belles' undeniable talent.

Her sound is catching on with big players in the industry, too. CMT featured her song “Man Outta Me,” praising her as a "promising new artist with a bright future." Spotify and Apple Music have also taken note, featuring her music on key playlists like “Next from Nashville,” “Fresh Finds Country,” and “What Would Dolly Do?”

A Childhood Filled with Music and Inspiration

Growing up surrounded by music, Kelli Belles’ passion was ignited by her mother’s success in Mulberry Lane, a sister harmony group that made waves in the late '90s. Touring with her mother’s band and performing as part of a mother-daughter duo gave Belles an early taste of the stage, helping to mold her into the confident performer she is today. Those roots in country music and performance are evident in her voice, rich with emotion and honesty.

But it wasn’t just a family legacy that drove her ambition. Belles remembers falling in love with The Chicks' “Cold Day in July” as a ten-year-old, the song’s emotive pull opening her eyes to music's unique power. That realization led to years of practice, journaling lyrics, guitar lessons, and a teenage dream of writing songs that connect deeply with others.

Growing Success and Expanding Influence

Since arriving in Nashville, Belles has shared stages with country legends like Miranda Lambert, Old Dominion, Dan + Shay, and Lee Brice. Performing at renowned venues such as Mercury Lounge in New York and First Avenue in Minneapolis, she’s built a dedicated fan base through her captivating live shows. Her social media following has exploded, boasting 387k TikTok fans, 166k YouTube subscribers, and 131k Instagram followers. Across these platforms, Belles interacts with fans, sharing personal stories and empowering messages through her music.

The Art of Storytelling and Relatability

Why country music? For Belles, it’s the purest form of storytelling. "I love country music because it’s storytelling at its finest," she says. “I’ve been writing songs here on Music Row for six years, learning from the best. And the fans—there’s no group more loyal.”

Belles finds excitement in writing from her own experiences, from heartbreaks to wild adventures, and she loves the realization that her songs resonate universally. “I love the connection we have. People have been through the same things I have, and it’s amazing to feel that unity.”

Looking to the Future

As Belles gears up for new releases and dreams of a Grand Ole Opry debut, her goals for 2025 are clear and ambitious. With a relentless drive and music that empowers and uplifts, she’s well on her way to achieving them. “I’m excited about my new music that’s coming out soon, with a fresh sound and look. But it’s still my own crazy life on display,” she says confidently.

From her Nebraska roots to Nashville stages, Kelli Belles is a name country music fans won’t want to forget. She's the real deal, and she’s here to stay. So buckle up, because this rising star is about to take the country music world by storm.