The Healing Power of Music: Kelsie Watts on Grief, Resilience, and Recovery

Summary

Podcast Summary: takin' a walk — “The Healing Power of Music: Kelsie Watts on Grief, Resilience, and Recovery”
Host: Buzz Knight (iHeartPodcasts)
Guest: Kelsie Watts
Release Date: November 19, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode revolves around the healing power of music, focusing on singer, songwriter, and Broadway performer Kelsie Watts. Through an intimate conversation, host Lynne Hoffman (guest host for this episode) delves into Kelsie’s upbringing in a musical family, her experiences on The Voice and Broadway, the profound impact of losing her brother to depression, and her advocacy for mental health. The episode is candid and uplifting, exploring how music can channel grief, foster resilience, and offer hope to both artists and listeners.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Early Musical Influences and Family Roots

• Kelsie grew up surrounded by music; both parents sang and played piano in church. She recounts her earliest memory, caught on home video at age two, performing “The Basics of Life” in Looney Tunes pajamas (05:17).
• Influences spanned gospel, pop, and rock: Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Tina Turner, Def Leppard, The Rolling Stones, Kiss, and Kirk Franklin (07:28).

“I don't remember learning to sing... I've just grown up with music. Both of my parents sing and play piano and grew up singing in church.”
— Kelsie Watts, 05:17

2. Emotional Power and Discovery in Music

• The first time Kelsie was emotionally affected by music was during a family road trip listening to Les Miserables. The story of Fantine moved her to tears and demonstrated music’s transportive power (06:22).

“I remember finally understanding that Fantine was dying. And I was distraught, like absolutely distraught, crying in the backseat.”
— Kelsie Watts, 06:22

3. Grief, Mental Health, and Advocacy

• Kelsie lost her brother, Jordan, to depression in 2013. She describes the profound absence of warning signs and how the tragedy was linked to a sudden discontinuation of medication (08:25).
• She uses her experience and music (“I Can’t Say Goodbye”) to educate and foster conversation around mental health, aiming to reduce stigma (08:25–10:42).

“His brain literally just broke... The more that we talk about it, the less taboo it becomes and the more comfortable other people begin to talk about it.”
— Kelsie Watts, 08:25 & 10:42

• Discusses the power of “making it” every day—living with grief, not in it (11:07).

“You have to learn to live with the grief instead of in the grief.”
— Kelsie Watts, 11:07

4. Channeling Pain into Songwriting

• Songwriting serves as both catharsis and connection; credits therapy for helping her process pain enough to share it without breaking down every time she performs (12:28–13:27).

“I’m able to say, hey, I’m writing a story about this. Yes, it’s my story. But it’s gonna do a lot of good because it’s gonna reach a lot of people.”
— Kelsie Watts, 13:17

5. The Voice and Broadway: Contrasts and Lessons

• The Voice gave visibility but little direct artistic shaping. Kelsie spent minimal time with coach Kelly Clarkson, but learned about the business and developed a thick skin (14:08).
• Performing on Broadway (“Six”) is vastly different: it’s live, high-stakes, and intensely demanding—emotionally and physically. No re-dos, and each audience is unique (15:55–18:59).
• Stage fright, perfectionism, and audience reactions are universal challenges.

“On the television side, I’m just Kelsey... In theater... there are only six of us on stage, so you really can’t... have a lot of room for error.”
— Kelsie Watts, 16:39 & 17:54

6. Grounding Faith and Staying Authentic

• Kelsie’s faith allows her to refocus before every performance, singing “for an audience of one” and relieving pressure to be perfect (19:59).

“I sing for an audience of one, and that’s all that matters. So if these people love me, amazing. If they hate me, that’s okay. They don’t have to love me.”
— Kelsie Watts, 20:03

7. Songwriting Process and Authenticity

• Prefers co-writing and draws on personal stories and conversations before writing. Insights into her upcoming single “Fit In,” inspired by feeling “a lot” and the pressure to conform—especially post-Voice (27:36–34:55).

“Writing is personal. It’s all about the song. I can sing my face off, but if I’m singing for no reason and there’s no meaning... nobody’s gonna feel anything.”
— Kelsie Watts, 27:56

8. High School Outsider Experience

• Was not part of the popular crowd; found refuge in choir and theater. Reflects on how those experiences shaped her identity and songwriting (29:34–36:43).

9. Pre-show Routines and Rituals

• Detailed regiment involving vocal and physical warmups, timed costume changes, and group breathing exercises for team cohesion in Six (37:09–38:46).

“As a group, once we get on stage, all six of us... stand in a circle and hold hands... But if we say [the number] at the same time, we have to start over.”
— Kelsie Watts, 38:38

10. Mental Health Advocacy

• Kelsie works to de-stigmatize conversations about mental health and suicide loss, frequently speaking with affected families and supporting organizations like Dee Dee Hirsch and 988 (39:26).

11. Touching Listener Stories & Impact

• Receives messages online and stage door confessions about how fans have connected with her mental health-focused music—sometimes helping save lives (41:40–44:14).

“I had a girl tell me one time... ‘Because I tried to take my life and thankfully I didn’t succeed, but it helps to know I’m not the only one.’ And it just, like, stopped me in my tracks.”
— Kelsie Watts, 43:24

12. Dream Collaborations and Ambitions

• Would love to collaborate with Jelly Roll, Pink, Rihanna, Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga. Aspires to originate a Broadway role and tour internationally (44:41–45:50).

13. Advice for Struggling Listeners

• Emphasizes the importance of having even just one trusted confidant; community is essential for resilience (46:47–47:54).

“You don’t have to have an army. You just need just one that you can really hunker down with and be like, ‘Hey, I am not okay.’”
— Kelsie Watts, 47:21

14. Musical Preferences and Listening Habits

• Unlike expectation, Kelsie listens to far more podcasts and audiobooks than music for pleasure, except for special moments or gym sessions (48:46–51:16).
• Last song played: “If You Want Perfection” from Death Becomes Her; favorite song for repeat: “River” by Bishop Briggs.

15. Dream Performance Venue

• Hopes to perform at Rock in Rio in Brazil for its enthusiastic audiences, and dreams of performing in Asia (51:27–52:30).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I really believe it brings purpose to the pain.” — Kelsie Watts (11:07)
• “Writing is personal...if I’m singing for no reason and, like, there’s no meaning behind what I’m singing, nobody’s gonna feel anything.” — Kelsie Watts (27:56)
• “I sing for an audience of one, and that’s all that matters.” — Kelsie Watts (20:03)
• “You have to learn to live with the grief instead of in the grief.” — Kelsie Watts (11:07)
• (On impact) “It helps to know I’m not the only one.” — Kelsie Watts relaying a fan’s comment (43:24)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:49 Music as healing — “Music saved me.”
• 05:17–07:28 — Early musical upbringing and influences
• 08:25–11:07 — Grieving her brother, mental health, and turning pain to purpose
• 14:08–15:15 — Behind the scenes of The Voice and lessons learned
• 15:55–18:59 — Broadway vs. TV: live performance challenges
• 19:59–22:43 — Faith, performance anxiety, and staying centered
• 27:36–34:55 — The songwriting process, “Fit In,” and learning to be authentic
• 39:26–41:31 — Talking mental health and breaking taboos
• 41:40–44:14 — Fan stories and the power of music
• 44:41–45:50 — Dream collaborations and career goals
• 46:47–47:54 — Advice for struggling listeners/community
• 51:27–52:30 — Dream venues and international ambitions

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Final Messages

• Kelsie’s journey illustrates how music is a lifeline during grief, a form of solidarity for those struggling, and an opportunity to give back through vulnerability and openness.
• Her advice: Find even one person you can be real with—community breeds resilience.
• She encourages authenticity in artistry and life, championing mental health and owning one’s story.

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For listeners: Kelsie Watts’ honest conversation is a testament to the power of sharing your pain and passions openly—and a reminder that while grief and challenges are deeply personal, they are never faced alone. If you are struggling, reach out. You matter, and you belong.

Transcript

[Kelsey Watts]

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[Kelsey Watts]

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[Lynne Hoffman]

Music saved me.

[Kelsey Watts]

His writing is personal, and it's all about the song. You know, I can sing my face off, but if I'm singing for no reason and, like, there's no meaning behind what I'm singing, nobody's going to feel anything. So it doesn't matter. Matter how boring. Like, I would get tired of me singing like that.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Welcome to another episode of the Music Saved Me podcast, where we explore the profound ways that music connects art to emotional healing and shines a light on the stories of artists who have been personally impacted by its power. I'm your host, Lynne Hoffman, and welcome to the show. Today, we are so thrilled to welcome singer, songwriter, and Broadway performer Kelsey Watts. Now, you may know Kelsey from her viral performances on a little show called NBC's the Voice. Voice, where her powerhouse vocals and heartfelt artistry earned her a spot on Team Kelly and millions of fans worldwide. But Kelsey's journey with music goes far beyond the stage and the spotlight. She was born into a musical family and has been using her voice not only to entertain, but also to heal, which is such a beautiful thing. Both herself and others. Through original songs that tackle themes of loss, resilience, and hope, Kelsey's advocacy for mental health is deeply personal. After losing her brother to depression, she channeled her grief into songwriting, creating moving tracks like I Can't say Goodbye that offer comfort and solidarity to anyone struggling with loss or emotional pain. Her story is a testament to how music can be a lifeline in our darkest moments, a message that truly resonates at the core of this podcast. In this episode, Kelsey opens up about her creative process, her experiences on Broadway and the Voice, and how music's been a source of healing and connection throughout her life. Now, whether you're an artist or a fan, we sure do hope Kelsey's journey inspires you and reminds you that you are never alone, no matter what you're facing. Let's dive in to this honest and uplifting conversation with the beautiful and incredibly talented Kelsey Watts on Music Save Me. Kelsey, welcome to the show. It is wonderful to have you here.

[Kelsey Watts]

Hi. Oh, my gosh. Thank you. What an intro. My word. That was so kind.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Very deservant of it, but certainly I'd love to start with the beginning. In your early influences, can you tell us about your earliest memories of music and how it became such an important part of your life.

[Kelsey Watts]

Of course. I really feel so cliche every single time I say this, because it's. It's just the truth. I don't remember learning to sing, but the first video we have of me singing, I was two years old in Looney Tune pajamas, sitting on the fireplace singing old song called the Basics of Life by a gospel group called For Him. And it's just. I've just grown up with music. Both of my parents sing and play piano and grew up singing in church, so I really don't remember life without it. Crazy enough.

[Lynne Hoffman]

That's pretty cool that you have that memory so far back, too.

[Kelsey Watts]

Well, I've seen the video many.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Okay. So I'm like, I can't think beyond, like, 10.

[Kelsey Watts]

I was 2 years old. Yeah. No, I couldn't. I do not remember that moment. But I've seen the video enough to where I'm like, well, that was real. So I guess it was me.

[Lynne Hoffman]

It was meant to be. It was meant to be.

[Kelsey Watts]

It was meant to be.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Was there a moment or a song when you realized that music was a source of healing and had that kind of power?

[Kelsey Watts]

I don't know if healing necessarily is the word I would use for it. Like, at the first time, I really felt, like, emotionally moved by music. But we were on a vacation, and we would always drive because we had five people in our family. And so as we're driving, I remember my parents playing Les Miserables the Musical. And it was the 10th anniversary edition. And I remember finally understanding, like, that Fantine was dying. And I was distraught, like, absolutely distraught. Like, crying in the backseat, like, oh, my gosh, she's not okay. Like, and I finally, like, moved. Like, I was really, really moved by it. So that's the first time I actually remember having, like, an emotional impact by music, for sure.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Who were some of your early influences? This is. I love to ask this question because it always blows me away. The younger the people I talk to, the more they listen to music I listened to growing up, which blows me away.

[Kelsey Watts]

Oh, I really think it's because that music is iconic, like, legendary. It is. It is truly timeless. So, I mean, Whitney Houston, Celine Dion, Tina Turner, but I was also brought up on, you know, Def Leppard, the Rolling Stones, and Kiss and, you know, then Kirk Franklin and, I mean, all of these, like, combinations. But for me, as a vocalist, Whitney Houston and Celine were really, really big influences, like, just growing. That's. I feel like that's all I listened to growing up.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Well, that explains why you sound the way you do, and you give them a run for their money. Now on your personal journey and challenges, you've been very open about that, especially with grief and mental health, which, you know, not normal to talk about publicly.

[Kelsey Watts]

Right.

[Lynne Hoffman]

I'm sure. You know, how did music help you process those emotions?

[Kelsey Watts]

Yeah. So I lost my brother in 2013, and most of the time, whenever people say they've lost somebody to depression or they've taken their own life, like, it's not a very popular topic of conversation. But a reason that I love to talk about it is because it gives a little bit of insight into what happens. Like, and everybody's story is different, obviously, but for us, you know, Jordan, there weren't telling signs. It's not like there was a big plan out. He didn't leave anything. There was. Long story short, once we got the autopsy back, we found out he had run out of his medication. Went from such a high to such a low. It really was a chemical, like, just. It. His brain literally just broke. So I love to talk about it because it gives people a little bit more insight into what depression is, that it's not just being sad. It's actually a chemical imbalance in your brain, which is every other mental struggle as well. So, you know, I love to just give a little bit of education as best I can. I'm not an expert, but I lived it. So I've just. I like to share at least what I've learned. But then using music in order to heal from that is something that I'm able to pass on. Like, not only am I able to tell people, hey, you're not alone, because I have lived it. So even if I don't know exactly how you feel, I can relate enough. And then to be able to put it into music, to be like, this song is for anybody that's lost somebody too soon. You know, it's. I think it's important because then people don't feel alone. Because the biggest way that people, like, feel isolated is because they think, oh, well, I'm weird. Oh, nobody else has ever dealt with this. Oh, I'm. You know, it's just me. Everyone's gonna think I'm a burden or. Or that this is a weird thing to deal with or struggle with. And the reality is, it's not weird. It's very normal. Very, very normal. And so I think the more that we talk about it, the less taboo it becomes and the more comfortable other people begin to talk about it. You know what?

[Lynne Hoffman]

Now it's Very giving to want. It's so selfless what you're doing. You know, a lot of people would turn inward, and maybe just the. You know, the family or your close friends you would talk to or a therapist. But what made you want to share this with people? Just. Just out of wanting others to be okay? I mean, that's a. A beautiful thing that you do.

[Kelsey Watts]

Thank you.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Not easy.

[Kelsey Watts]

It's. It's. It's not. And I. I really believe it brings purpose to the pain. One thing that my dad has always said is, you know, we are making it. You know, people so often say, oh, we're gonna make it. You're gonna make it. You're gonna make it. And with a loss of this nature and with any sudden loss, honestly, you. You are making it every day. You have to learn to live with the grief instead of in the grief. And for me, being able to share this story allows Jordan's story to continue to minister to other people. And that feels like it at least brings purpose to the pain.

[Lynne Hoffman]

It keeps him alive.

[Kelsey Watts]

Well, yeah. Oh, my gosh. For real?

[Lynne Hoffman]

Yeah.

[Kelsey Watts]

The amount of people that don't have never met my brother but feel like they know him are countless. It's insane.

[Lynne Hoffman]

That's incredible. What was it like to channel your personal experiences into your songwriting? I mean, again, very inward and sharing personal things, which a lot of artists don't do. You know, left to kind of figure out, how does this relate to my life? But you're like, this is. This is really your life. Yes.

[Kelsey Watts]

You know, it's. There's parts of it where it's like, oh, how fun, because I can really relate to this. And then there's other parts where it really is painful, and you have to learn how to separate in the moment. Like, sure, you can let yourself feel it, but it's also very important to process it, deal with it, so that way you can write about it and not have, like, an emotional breakdown every time you talk about it or write about it, which I'm so grateful for my therapist, because she helped a ton with that, being able to process the grief. So when I do put it into my music, even though it is raw and vulnerable, I'm able to say, hey, I'm writing a story about this. Yes, it's my story. But it's gonna do a lot of good because it's gonna reach a lot of people.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Yeah. To separate that out, I mean, I know just when I get choked up about anything emotional, I can't even get a word out. I don't know how you could sing without having some type of.

[Kelsey Watts]

The first few times, it was really hard. Especially I can't say goodbye singing that live. I was like, oh, no. And then especially if, like, my husband's in the audience or if my family's at oh, then I'm like, I can't look at you. I need. I need you to sit way over there because I will not be able to turn off the house lights. I know. Like, turn up, turn around. Yeah.

[Lynne Hoffman]

All right, well, let's move on to something that I'm dying to know about the Voice and Broadway, because these are two humongous things for you. I want to know what your experience on the Voice was like and how it was able to shape you as an artist. I don't really know where you were before you got there in terms of your skills, so I'm.

[Kelsey Watts]

Yeah. You know, I feel like I'm always surprised with this answer because the public view is, wow, the Voice has created so many artists, and this is what they did. And how awesome. Realistically speaking, I spent maybe a total of 10 minutes with Kelly, who's a lovely human, but as far as being shaped as an artist, I don't think I really was. One thing that it did really teach me, though, was to have a very thick skin and to see this as a business. Like, I had already seen it as a business, but going into it, I had to understand, this show is not going to make me famous. It is not going to be my. Like, I've made it. But what it is going to do is bring so much visibility to me and bring me a lot of eyes that I couldn't even pay for. So it taught me how to really dig into that part of it and then to start showing people who I really am. Because I was like, that's what people are going to get are. Want to, like, are going to want to latch on to outside of his show. Yeah.

[Lynne Hoffman]

That's amazingly insightful because. No, I mean, example. I was featured in a magazine early on. I was working in a town in Boston. And short story, my mom said, oh, my God, maybe someone will see the picture and they'll offer you a job. And I said, no, it doesn't work that way.

[Kelsey Watts]

Doesn't work that way.

[Lynne Hoffman]

No.

[Kelsey Watts]

It'd be really cool if it did.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Yeah. Wouldn't it?

[Kelsey Watts]

I know.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Wow.

[Kelsey Watts]

Yeah.

[Lynne Hoffman]

I'm curious your thoughts. How does performing on Broadway compare to singing on a televised stage? Because a lot of people don't realize that the. The televised stage is for the Audience at home. Broadway is for the audience in the house.

[Kelsey Watts]

Yes. They're so different. It is. It is so different for. I mean, even. Even with six. I did a press performance. I'm supposed to perform, like, to the cameras. And that. That alone is so. That was confusing. I was like, wait, this is a stage song? How am I doing? Okay. Like, my brain sort of, like, freaking out.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Yeah.

[Kelsey Watts]

But, you know, on television. Yes. It's live, so I mean, they're both live. Right. But the sound is way different. Yeah. Audience is like. We didn't have an audience on my season because I was during COVID so the audience was at home.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Wow. Even more strange.

[Kelsey Watts]

It was weird. Yeah, it was really, really weird. So I was like, I just feel like I'm in an audition every day.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Yeah, I bet.

[Kelsey Watts]

But it was more of a. Okay, this is going to be taped. There's going to be multiple shots. I know. It's going to be edited together. Nine times out of 10, they'll add, like, an effect to the final vocal as they're taping. You know, I mean, there's so much more that goes into it. So with theater, which I think is a million times more difficult. Oh, my word. It's. You can't, like, just do it over, you know, like, oh, hey, hold on one. One sec. I'm gonna. I'm gonna redo that. Like, if you miss a note, if you miss a beat, you're. You're. It's obvious. And there are only six of us on stage, so you really can't. You don't have a lot of room for error. And you're also dealing with a live audience's response when you're playing a character, but you're also interacting with them. But I'm not Kelsey interacting with them. I'm a character interacting with them. So it's. There are just a lot more layers, whereas both of them can be really intense and a lot of work. On the television side, I'm just Kelsey, Kelsey, and I'm doing this one song, this one performance, because it's for a TV show, and everybody knows exactly what it's for, and they already like me just because I'm on the Voice. And then you're in theater, and there have been so many different casts. They've heard so many people sing this song. Some people don't even like theater that have come to the show along with them, you know, and you're just like, hey, oh, my gosh, I hope to God you really like this. And you're trying to, you know, be in this character, but also be really entertaining at the same time. On top of doing it eight times a week, and you're dancing for an hour and a half and heels every single show, not leaving stage, trying to stay healthy. There's just a lot of. There's just a lot more to it. And sometimes people, you know, even though you're not allowed to film, sometimes people will get away with filming. And sometimes it's not a great night. Like, if you see bootlegs, which I under. It's a very controversial topic. But whenever people, you know, like, take bootlegs, and people that can't, don't have access to theater, love them because they're like, I get to see a show, but then sometimes for the actor, it's not their best day. Sometimes they're really tired, and they'll get judged on one single performance where, like, something messed up. And so it's just. I think there's a lot more at risk in live.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Yeah, you're right. There is. There definitely is. There's a vulnerability. And then also that vibe, like you said, you know, the voice, they're all like, team, you know, Kelsey.

[Kelsey Watts]

And they're screaming, but I'm excited just because I'm on it.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Yeah.

[Kelsey Watts]

This is amazing. Yeah.

[Lynne Hoffman]

And Broadway, you're like, you know, people are looking at you like, let's see what she's got.

[Kelsey Watts]

Real. Sometimes you'd be like, what is this?

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Yeah.

[Kelsey Watts]

Yeah. I mean, now, granted, we get really awesome audiences because our show is really fun, and nine times out of ten, people are very, like, receptive and super fun, but, man, it is very difficult when you get the ones that aren't and they're just on the front row.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Yeah. And you got to keep going and smiling.

[Kelsey Watts]

You're still smiling because you're still in character. And you're going to give them the same show you give anybody else. So did you learn?

[Lynne Hoffman]

It's incredible. And what a character builder or a strength builder for you personally?

[Kelsey Watts]

For sure.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Is there anything that you can think of that you learned personally or as a performer during those sort of really high profile moments in your life?

[Kelsey Watts]

Yes, for me, in any performance that I give, whether it's in an arena of 15,000 people or on national television or on Broadway or at home, Like, I. Every day I'm like, all right, Jesus. I'm just singing for you. That's it. And it takes away any pressure I feel to be perfect or to be great or to impress. So I always love, for me personally, faith is A big part of my life, and it allows me to refocus and recenter myself and say, all right, I sing for an audience of one, and that's all that matters. So if these people love me, amazing. If they hate me, that's okay. They don't have to love me. So that's huge. Yes. And it did not happen overnight. Let me talk. Like, it took a while because as performers, we, like, we love performing. We love performing for people, you know, like, we don't perform for the applause, but if you don't get an applause, you're like, what did I do wrong? Why don't you like me? What happened? You know, and we're so easily influenced by audiences, reactions or comments online or. Because we're putting our craft out there and performing, yes, we put ourselves out there. That's our job. But also, it's just being human. Like, you just want that validation. And so it took me a while to really be able to focus in on that and be like, well, this is why I can be calm on national television, on a Broadway stage, in an arena, like, because I'm like, I just. I'm singing for an audience of one, and that's the way that I stay calm. That's all I can do.

[Lynne Hoffman]

It's amazing. That is. No, but really, for you to be able to figure that out, even. Also, I would say that most performers want to perform because they want to make people feel good, happy. There's so much selflessness in it, but then there's all that personal stuff that gets in the way. So if you're able to find that faith, as you said, to know that there's no pressure on you, really what. Than what you put on yourself.

[Kelsey Watts]

It's so true. It is. It's so true. And I'm like, as long as if I'm doing my job, I'm warming up correctly, I know my voice is in the right place and taking care of my body. You know, I'm. I know the steps, I know the songs. I know where I'm supposed to be and what I'm doing. Well, then I don't already have the job, so as long as stay good at what I'm doing, I'm fine. So, yeah, it takes away the pressure for me to feel like I have to be something that I'm not.

[Lynne Hoffman]

It's so true, too, what you just said. And it works in any profession, you know, whatever you're doing in life, to carry that type of wisdom is. It's pretty incredible. We'll be right back with more of the Music Saved Me podcast. And by the way, if you like this podcast, you are going to love our companion podcast called Taking a Walk. It's hosted by my dear friend Buzz Knight and you can find it wherever you get your podcasts.

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[Lynne Hoffman]

Welcome back to the Music Saved Me podcast. The podcast where we discuss the healing powers of music with some of the biggest names in music as well as up and comers. Now, speaking of putting yourself out there, there's a creative process I would love for you to just walk us through a little bit of your songwriting process and where you find your inspiration to write songs and is, are you ever. What are you thinking when you're writing? Is this. I know people are going to relate to this or is it just your story? What's your process like?

[Kelsey Watts]

So I really love to write with people. That's, that's what I enjoy. And sometimes you're writing for sync, which is tv, film, movie, like things like that where you're, you're writing a song for a prompt, for something to be placed for an advertisement, things like that. And then sometimes you can do both at the same time. And you're writing porcync, but it's also for yourself. And it's like, well, I could totally release this as Kelsey Watts, but then this would also do really great in a sports ad. You know, I mean, so I like to think that way as well. But I think the best example is the song that I'm about to release in a few weeks is called Fit In. And I was writing it with a guy named dq. He's worked with, gosh, Demi Lovato, Sasha Fierce. He's a great vocal producer. He's incredible. And he's out of Nashville. And whenever we first met, we just kind of sat down and hung out for a bit. So anytime I'm writing with somebody new, the first, like, two hours, really, you're like, hey, let's go get a coffee. We want to, like, just chill, you know, let's just talk, figure out what life is about instead of, you know, okay, we're here. Let's write a song, you know? Yeah. Yeah, I'm sure sometimes it's like that, but I don't. I don't like that. So I won't work that way, because writing is personal. It's all about the song. You know, I can sing my face off, but if I'm singing for no reason and, like, there's no meaning behind what I'm singing, nobody's gonna feel anything. So it doesn't matter how boring. Like, I would get tired of me singing like that. So with this song, we were like, okay, well, you know, what are some things that you've been feeling? How. How's life been? Or, you know, what's something that you've always wanted to say? And we got into this topic of, well, I was never the cool kid growing up. Like, I wasn't, you know, I didn't have a boyfriend. I wasn't invited to prom or get another date. Like, what, you. Yeah, I never. I never had a date from. I know, I know. I never, like, until, gosh, end of college, kind of. Yeah.

[Lynne Hoffman]

I mean, it tells me that is not a bad thing, though.

[Kelsey Watts]

No, it's. It saved me from a lot. I'm very grateful. I'm not. I'm. I'm not upset. I was gonna say in the moment, I was. I wasn't grateful. But down the line, I'm like, wow, that saved me from a lot of issues. How come? But, you know, I, like. Yeah, I wasn't, you know, invited to the parties, and I kind of found my community in theater and choir, and it was a very, very, very small community, but I had a couple of friends and always got along with everybody, but I wasn't. I wasn't in the it. Proud, you know? And so we were like, well, why don't we write about that? And so the entire premise of the song Was like, all right, well, what have people told you? Well, I've been told I'm a lot. Like, oh, my gosh, you're just a lot. Well, you're not my people, Ben.

[Lynne Hoffman]

What do you mean, a lot? You mean just because you're. You talk a lot or have a lot to say or thoughts.

[Kelsey Watts]

Thankfully, I haven't had people tell me that lately.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Okay.

[Kelsey Watts]

Like, but in. Like, in high school, really, it was like, middle school and high school were not fun for me. I did not enjoy them at all. And, you know, people be like, oh, you're just a lot. And whether that meant my personality was a lot, they never elaborated. They were just kind of me, you know?

[Lynne Hoffman]

So what did you think it was?

[Kelsey Watts]

I thought it meant I was too loud or I sang too much or I talked too much to people or, like, I needed to be more reserved. Like, my personality. Really?

[Lynne Hoffman]

That's what you thought?

[Kelsey Watts]

Yeah. Like, my personal. Interesting. Just, like, too much to handle, and people didn't like that.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Did you. Did it affect you in a negative way?

[Kelsey Watts]

Oh, yeah. Oh, my gosh. Absolutely. I felt like I constantly had to change who I was in order to be around people and to be accepted, to fit in. Oh, literally. Which is why I call the fit in. I was like, this is it. Yeah. So, I mean, it was. The whole story of the song is basically the first line is, I know that you think that you're a lot you love until it costs you all you've got, you water until you dry with everything you do, and then say you're going to change for real this time. But then you fall off and fall in line, and when you look up, you find the dirty truth that you're standing in your own way, like, and it. And it's because it's like, well, oh, no, I'm totally gonna be. I'm gonna be fine, but I'm just gonna be me. And then you find yourself going back into this cycle of, like, oh, well, what do people want me to be? And honestly, that was something that I really felt after leaving the Voice was I'd never released music before. I had always wanted to be an artist and felt like I was, but I didn't know how to get into. My gosh, Finding producers and writing and doing all of the things and. And so I felt like I was being pulled in multiple directions. Well, you should just sing ballads, because you sing ballads really well or, well, you should do this or, well, you should do this. Well, you should just do pop, because rock isn't really in right now. So just be pop. And I was like, just pop. So even into, you know, being out of the Voice, I felt like I had to fit into some mold. And honestly, that lasted for a couple of years. Well, I guess, what am I supposed to be? Like? I mean, I'm not Sabrina Carpenter. I'm not Arian Grande. I love them. I think they're both amazing. But that's. But that's not me, you know? So I was like, so how do I. How do I make myself fit? And it just didn't work. It just. It simply didn't work. And it wasn't until I really started pouring into social media in 2023 that something finally clicked. Because I was so frustrated with social media, I didn't want to do it anymore. I was like, this is ridiculous. Why is everything I do based on numbers? I can't, you know, I don't have followers because I really didn't. I mean, I had, like. Like 20k from the voice on Instagram and what, like 75k on tick tock just from, like, some videos that my husband had posted that went viral because it was a Disney video, but for me, and I didn't have any, like, fans, for lack of a better word. And so I just. I was like, I just. I'm not gonna do this anymore. And when I stopped trying and put forth the least amount of effort and just stuck my phone in the kitchen and put Brandon's phone here with a karaoke track and was making coffee, which is actually my life, like, that's really what I do, you know, wasn't dolled up, didn't have makeup on, like, walk around in sweats, and. And everybody loved it even then. It took me a while to understand, like, no, people just want to know you. They just want to hear. They just want to hear you sing. They don't want to see all of the extra stuff. Like, they want to get to know you. And so, sure, as an artist, you know, you'll continue to develop and elevate, like, the more successful that you get, and you can create all of the things you want to create as an artist, you know, and then you have the budget to create it. Yeah, one day. Yeah, you know, I'm like, amazing. One, like, one day, my spectacles will be like Lady Gaga's because I'll have a label paying for them, hopefully, or I'll be successful enough to be able to pay for them myself. And, like, you know, so you eventually get there. But what I've loved is that people have related to this. And I swear it's because in the song, to bring it back around, the songwriting that I've been doing has been more just of my story and me just being real. And while writing in a real way, I've also been putting that in social media, being like, this is really who I am. So that way, my writing is consistent with what I present just as a human being.

[Lynne Hoffman]

It makes total sense to me. And back. Just real quick, back to your high school. Were you friends with all the different groups of people? Like, you know, the kids in the. In acting and then the kids playing sports and.

[Kelsey Watts]

Yeah, oh, yeah, I got along with everybody.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Yeah, because you had to, right?

[Kelsey Watts]

I had to, yeah. Yeah, for sure. And I. And I. And I wanted to. I wanted to be everybody's friend because I really love people, but, you know, I would. I remember specifically because I was. Now I'm athletic. I was not athletic growing up. And, you know, I remember in 8th grade being forced to play volleyball. And every single girl, except for one, and she's still a friend of mine to this day, every girl was like, I want to be. No, you can't be on my team.

[Lynne Hoffman]

You don't.

[Kelsey Watts]

Like, you don't play. Like, you're not good. Like. And, oh, no, they were literally in eighth grade just, like, passing the ball back and forth. We're not about to go compete in a tournament. And. And they just. They were like, no, you suck at this. No, you can't play with me. And there was one girl that was nice, and I was like, well, thank God that you were nice, you know, Or I'd been. It's just awkward. So I was always like, try to be friendly with all of the groups of people. But my close friends, I mean, I had maybe one or two maybe. Like, I think I still know what one or two people are my school.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Like, they're the ones that keep you grounded. No matter how high you go in life is. Is you do some. If you're fortunate enough to be able to still keep those friendships from early on that were really tight, you know, they.

[Kelsey Watts]

Oh, for sure. I really just became real friends with them in college. We happened to go to the same high school, but it wasn't until out of high school and going into college that we were like, oh, hey, hey.

[Lynne Hoffman]

I know you hang out.

[Kelsey Watts]

This is great. You were nice to me. Yeah. For real.

[Lynne Hoffman]

All right. So I'm curious if there are any rituals or routines that you do before you go on stage to perform. I asked this question from some People, I've got some interesting responses. Like Peter Gabriel told me before he goes on stage, he has to go to the bathroom. He said something else a little more crass, but I'm gonna leave it at that.

[Kelsey Watts]

I know, right? That's fair. Yeah.

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[Kelsey Watts]

Tell me. Well, it's. That is true. Especially with six, because I'm the one that gets dressed first. And we have half hour. So we don't leave the stage for the hour and a half. And so a half hour before that, we're all scheduled. Except the show starts at 7. At 6:30. Every queen has a specific time you get into dress because we. We can't dress ourselves. Like, it's too complicated. So we have dressers that put us in costume.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Yeah.

[Kelsey Watts]

And then wig prep. And so it's all holding. But, yeah, you actually have to time out when you go to the restroom because you're drinking water, because you're trying to take, like, you're trying to stay hydrated, but you can't go to the bathroom in the middle of the show.

[Lynne Hoffman]

No. No strategic snaps anywhere in the yard.

[Kelsey Watts]

No, None. None. You're just like. Well, you are strapped in into three pairs of tights and a leotard.

[Lynne Hoffman]

And the posture, they spit push you on stage. Good luck.

[Kelsey Watts]

Yeah. Come on. But I mean, outside of that. So he is right outside of that. Vocally warm up. Probably like 30, 40 minutes while I'm doing my makeup. Have to do a physical, dynamic warmup because, I mean, we're doing tuck jumps in heels. So it's. It's a lot. So I have to make sure my body is physically warm as well as my voice. So those are the two, like, biggest, I guess, rituals, you would say. But as a group, once we get on stage, all six of us, like, we'll all stand in a circle and hold hands, and we'll all try to synchronize our breathing. And I'll say 1. Someone else has to say 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, until we get to 6. But if we say it at the same time, we have to start over.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Oh, that's cool. Except for when the curtain goes up and you're still back there.

[Kelsey Watts]

Yeah.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Well, thank you for that insight into it. It's always interesting to hear all of this stuff because, you know, we live vicariously through you, especially those of us who would love to do that type of work. In terms of advocacy, let's talk about the impact of what you do. You've used your platform about mental health. I think I may have touched a bit on this up front with your brother. But why is this cause specifically so important to you?

[Kelsey Watts]

I think it's important to me because it is so taboo, because there's such a lack of. Now there's a conversation around it, but for a very long time, there has not been a conversation around it because it makes people uncomfortable. And I get it. It's not a fun topic to discuss. You know, when I went to do an event for Dee Dee Hirsch and 988 and performed and went there, and you see all these people, and every person there is either a survivor of suicide or has lost somebody to suicide. And it's incredibly sad. It's very sad. And you're there to create awareness and to bring, like, make a change. But it's also. It's a heavy topic, you know, because there's so much more that goes into it. And then I feel like until the last. Until recently, until over the last few years, there's been a lack of education around it. So I think the more you educate people, it just starts more of a conversation. And then if somebody is struggling with depression, they feel more comfortable to say, I. Something's weird. Like, I. I think I need to talk to somebody. And the amount of people that reach out to me and my family is countless still. People reach out all the time. My dad goes and speaks to different youth groups. I'll get asked to do podcasts about it. It's just a. It's a conversation that didn't happen as much as I think it needed to. And the more people talk about it, the less feel awkward about it, you know?

[Lynne Hoffman]

Yeah, absolutely. And you said it's a very tough thing and it's not fun. But I think when those people listening to you, hearing what you have to say, it might actually turn into something that's a more positive thing for them. The minute they know, oh, that happens to you or you. This. It's. It's. It's amazing. What message do you hope that listeners take away from your music and your story?

[Kelsey Watts]

I hope listeners take away the fact that they belong, that there is hope that they can make it.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Have you heard from fans who have been impacted by your music? And can you share a couple of those stories with us? Yeah.

[Kelsey Watts]

Gosh. It's always the coolest thing to have people tell me that they've been moved by something. I've written something of song, you know, and it's one thing I will say online. People are really, really kind to me. I'm very blessed to have people be mostly kind on Instagram and Tick Tock. So that's. So it's always very cool to see people's comments about the songs. Like, my brother's anniversary was in May, and so there I re shared the music video that I had done for him. And people just constant, like, I lost my mom, I lost my brother, I lost my dad. I survived, like, I mean, just tons. But what's really cool is when I meet somebody in person. Yeah. And they tell me in person. And it happens a lot. Crazy enough, it happens a lot in New York. And I get this. Is this still freaks me out in the coolest way. Not in a bad way, but it freaks me out the coolest way. Because I don't expect people to know who I am. I just. I just don't. And what's nuts is in New York City, of all places, I get recognized more from Tick Tock and Instagram than I do. And like, that I ever have. People will come up and they're like, I follow you and your husband. Oh, my gosh. I'm like, you know, and so it's always like, so cool. But at the stage door specifically, I do my best after every show to go out to the stage door to sign playbills. The only reason I won't go out is if I'm actually sick or my voice is kind of off. But. But I try to go out after every show. Right. And I had a girl tell me one time because the. The interactions are typically brief, but I took a second and she said, I just need to say thank you for what you wrote about your brother. Because I tried to take my life and thankfully I didn't succeed. But it helps to know I'm not the only one. And it just like, stopped me in my tracks because I wouldn't. I never thought that something I would write or say like, that would make such an impact on somebody else. But that is the goal, you know, that's. That's the goal of. Of what I want to be able to tell people. And then I have another one that's about, you know, female empowerment and, like, finding your self worth again and loving yourself. It's called look what you missed. And I had a girl tell me the other day, she was like, that is my favorite song. I get to be awesome. And she's like, oh, my gosh. She's like 12. And I'm like, what? This is so cool. I mean, so. So I've had multiple moments where people are talking to me at the stage door about my music and that is the coolest thing.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Does it feel like they're talking to someone else? Don't you feel sort of like. What? You know, it's weird, right?

[Kelsey Watts]

Twilight Tone still. Yeah. I'm so serious. I'm like, wait, really? Yes. Cool. Oh, my gosh. How amazing. So I know. So that's what I'm hoping that this next song does, is that it reaches just an absurd amount of people. So that way that message can actually just go. That's the goal.

[Lynne Hoffman]

I love that so much. Are there any dream collaborations or projects that you hope to pursue in the future?

[Kelsey Watts]

Oh, absolutely.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Besides your stage, Like Lady Gaga's.

[Kelsey Watts]

I know, right? Yeah. Yeah, besides that. I would love to do a collaboration with someone like Jelly Roll. I think that would be so cool. I think he's awesome. To work with someone like Pink or Rihanna would also be very, very cool. I know. I'm dreaming big here.

[Lynne Hoffman]

No, put it out there. Come on.

[Kelsey Watts]

I know we're. We're dreaming really big here. So, you know, I also am. Like, there's. There's just so many. I mean, I'm a huge fan of Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande, like, so as far as collaborations, and even Lady Gaga would be just a dream. I'm such a fan of her. So there's a lot of artists I would love to collaborate with, but another dream would be to originate a role on Broadway.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Ooh.

[Kelsey Watts]

So now that I'm in it, I've actually fallen in love with it.

[Lynne Hoffman]

You got the bug.

[Kelsey Watts]

I do, and it's so much fun. I'm like, this is great. So I think it would be really cool to. If the greatest showman ever went to Broadway and actually, like, came to the States, to be able to be in something like. That would be so fun. So cool. So, I mean, you know, really big dreams and. Oh, you know, I want to tour. Like, I want to do a world tour and be able to, you know, sell out arenas and stadiums. And, you know, that is. That is the goal. And not just for me. I mean, like, it would be super cool to perform for that many people, but also because I'm like, if I'm at that level, that means that many people are hearing how much they matter. Yeah, yeah.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Not to change the subject, I did have another question for you about advice. Well, let me ask that. If you were going to give some advice to someone who is struggling right now, and not just struggling, say, with the problems that sort of inspired you in your life with your brother, but just any problem, what kind of advice Would you give.

[Kelsey Watts]

I would say anytime. I personally am struggling, whether that be feeling lonely, overwhelmed, sad, distant, like, finding yourself someone to be grounded with, I think is so important. I think community is so important. And people that are in your same industry is. It's really helpful to have people in your same industry because they get it.

[Lynne Hoffman]

They understand.

[Kelsey Watts]

They understand. So even if it's just just one person, you don't have to have an army. You just need just one that you can really hunker down with and be like, hey, I am not okay. And.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Yeah.

[Kelsey Watts]

And then be able to just sit there with you, you know, and not just try to fix it. But I think for me, that's been the most healing is having someone like my husband who I can just be not okay with, and that is okay. And I'm blessed enough to have quite a few friends that are really that awesome as well. So I would say anyone that's struggling, find a community. You know what? Mom, dad, sister, brother. I mean, just anyone. At least just one person is all you need.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Oh, that's amazing advice. Because the more successful you become, the less you find people. It's hard to find people who are happy for your success. I know that sounds crazy.

[Kelsey Watts]

No, but it's. It's real.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Yeah. Any mentors or. Or somebody that you can just talk to and. But seriously, if it is part of your profession, that definitely helps or in whatever you're doing in life. But, yeah, great advice. Okay, so what song or artist have you. Do you have right now? I have. I gotta try by Michael McDonald. I don't know if you're familiar with the song. Yeah, sort of. Yacht Rocky. No, I love it, but it's like my favorite genre, even though people say it's not a genre and it was made up or whatever. What song do you have on repeat?

[Kelsey Watts]

It's going to be a terrible answer.

[Lynne Hoffman]

What? Nothing's terrible.

[Kelsey Watts]

Well, no, no, it's going to be a terrible answer because it's not an answer. Okay. So as. As a singer who is constantly surrounded by music, I rarely listen to music.

[Lynne Hoffman]

I'm not surprised by that at all.

[Kelsey Watts]

Yeah, I listen to a lot of podcasts. I listen to audiobooks. Sometimes I just sit in silence. But I don't have a song that I'm constantly, like, constantly listening to. Like, that. I'm like, oh, yeah, let's go. I mean, I have a gym playlist.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Well, if you hear something, for example, like, for. I just heard that, and I hadn't heard it in a long time, so I Just have it on. I just listen to it over and over again ad nauseam, you know, for the day or the hour or blast it in the car. Doesn't have to be, you know, strict answer. Like, if you looked on your phone right now, what was the last song you played?

[Kelsey Watts]

Let's see.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Oh, here we go. We're going right to the. I love it.

[Kelsey Watts]

I would say, let's see.

[Lynne Hoffman]

What is.

[Kelsey Watts]

Is if you want perfection from Death Becomes Her.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Wow.

[Kelsey Watts]

There you go. That was the last thing Michelle Williams that played on my phone. I had just gone to see Death Becomes her. And I looked up the. The soundtrack because. Oh, my gosh, was it incredible. Absolutely phenomenal. But one of my favorites, I think I could always listen to Forever and Always is river by Bishop Briggs.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Oh, awesome. Awesome artist, too.

[Kelsey Watts]

Like that. Just. Oh, like, so good.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Yeah. My husband and I absolutely love her. We crank that up in the car. You gotta have a good stereo because otherwise don't even bother listening.

[Kelsey Watts]

Yeah, yeah, I know. Yeah. But I would say that that's one I could listen to for forever and always and never get tired of.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Awesome. And, you know, don't feel like it's weird because I interviewed, I don't know if you know, a country artist by the name of Craig Morgan.

[Kelsey Watts]

Yes. Yeah.

[Lynne Hoffman]

So he. He said the same thing. You know, I do this for my job, but I don't use it for myself personally. And I don't really have time to listen. And it sounds odd, but it does.

[Kelsey Watts]

It sounds so odd because people like, oh, well, you're an artist. You must listen to music all the time. And I'm like, yeah, yeah, but not for fun.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Yeah.

[Kelsey Watts]

It's a shame because there's so much amazing music out there, and if somebody comes out with an album and. And it. I'm. Everybody talks about it, of course I'm gonna go listen to it.

[Lynne Hoffman]

But, yeah, totally.

[Kelsey Watts]

It's just different. It's so different.

[Lynne Hoffman]

I don't want to let you go. I have one more question.

[Kelsey Watts]

Yeah.

[Lynne Hoffman]

If you could perform anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

[Kelsey Watts]

I would say Rock and Rio in Brazil.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Oh, great answer.

[Kelsey Watts]

That is where I would want to perform, because those fans are incredible. They are absolutely incredible. I just. I have such a love for the people in Brazil.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Did you see that video on the beach where, like, millions of people went to go see Gaga perform?

[Kelsey Watts]

Yes. Holy cow. That's. Now that is insane. I was like, like, is that real? It looked almost like AI, but it wasn't. But I was like, oh, that's crazy. But I did get to. I toured with Joss Stone for a little bit and we played the town festival in Sao Paulo and it was, it's just so cool to see how much those fans love music. I feel like going internationally. I would also love to go to Asia. I would love to go perform in Asia. They just love music and they love artists. And so I think it'd be a lot of fun to perform for them.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Well, I know they would love. They love you. And something I don't know tells me that you will be very soon.

[Kelsey Watts]

It's going to happen. I'm just putting it out there.

[Lynne Hoffman]

Yeah. And isn't that funny? 1% of people write down their goals, but interestingly enough, when you write them down, they have a funny way of happening. Keep writing those songs. Kelsey Watts, thank you so much for sharing your time with us on music. Save me today and best of luck with everything in the future. And please come back and see us again.

[Kelsey Watts]

Oh, my gosh, of course. Thank you for having me. I had blast.

[Lynne Hoffman]

I don't want to let you go. It's been a wonderful conversation, my soul sister. Thank you so much.

[Spin Quest Legal Disclaimer]

ABC Tonight, it's the CMA Awards live.

[Kelsey Watts]

That's what I'm talking about.

[Spin Quest Legal Disclaimer]

With performances by Lainey Wilson, Kelsey Ballerini, Zach top, Ryan Lee Green, Ella Langley, Kenny Chesney, Megan Maroney, Brandi Carlisle. And the hottest collabs, Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton, Jabuzzi and Stephen Wilson Jr. Big X the plug featuring Luke Combs. It's country music's biggest night, hosted by.

[Kelsey Watts]

Your girl, lainey Wilson.

[Spin Quest Legal Disclaimer]

The CMA Awards live tonight, 8, 7 Central on ABC. And next day on Hulu.

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[PBS Ken Burns Advertiser]

This episode is brought to you by pbs, home of Ken Burns. His newest film, the American Revolution, reveals untold stories of people, some familiar, many forgotten, who risked everything to change the course of history. It's the story of a war that was bloody, complex and profoundly consequential. Ken Burns and his co directors, Sarah Botstein and David Schmidt, shine a light on how this historic fight for independence lit the spark for freedom that still burns today. The American Revolution premieres Sunday, November 16th at 8.7Central on PBS and the PBS app. Don't miss it. Ah, greetings from my bath festive friends. The holidays are overwhelming, but I'm tackling this season with PayPal and making the most of my money, getting 5% cash back when I pay in four. No fees, no interest. I used it to get this portable spa with jets. Now the bubbles can cling to my sculpted but pruny body. Make the most of your money this holiday with PayPal. Save the offer in the app ends 1231. See paypal.com promoter points can be redeemed for cash and more. Paying for subject to terms and approval.

[Kelsey Watts]

PayPal Inc. And MLS 910457 this is an iHeart podcast.