Kelsea Ballerini Talks Grand Ole Opry Debut: ‘My Goal Is Just Not to Cry’

New country artist Kelsea Ballerini is making her Grand Ole Opry debut on Feb. 14, and she says that she has one major goal: not crying.

Ballerini, who is signed to Black River Entertainment (also the label home of Craig Morgan), admits she has a case of nerves leading up to the big show.

"I'm so excited ... OK, I'm very, very nervous," she tells The Boot. "I've seen two shows at the Opry, both as a fan in the audience, so to go from that to actually on the stage is going to be really, really cool and special."

The 21-year-old says that she thinks it's healthy to get a little bit nervous before concerts because it shows "that you care a lot" ... but she's hoping she'll stay ahead of the "sick-nervous" nerves.

"Something just changes [when you get on stage], and you just do it, and you don't think about it, you know?" Ballerini says. "So hopefully it'll be that kind of situation."

The singer tells The Boot that she will be singing her current single, 'Love Me Like You Mean It,' and an acoustic, stripped-down version of 'The First Time.'

"My goal is just not to cry until I get off the stage," Ballerini says. "Honestly, if I do that, then I'm OK."

Fans can purchase tickets to Ballerini's Valentine's Day debut at the Grand Ole Opry's website. Other artists on the bill include Connie Smith, Charles Esten, Ricky Skaggs and more.