Kelsea Ballerini accepted the Rising Star Award at Billboard’s Women In Music 2015 and it’s her first award ever!

“I learned by watching strong, empowering, bold women how to become one,” she said in her acceptance speech. “I’m a fan of everyone in this room.”

What a beautiful afternoon. Thank you @billboard. I'm so honored to be one of your #WomenInMusic pic.twitter.com/8d2qoHjYSe

— Kelsea Ballerini (@KelseaBallerini) December 11, 2015

my first ever award. "rising star" from @billboard Women In Music Event today. Wow. So honored.

A photo posted by Kelsea Ballerini (@kelseaballerini) on Dec 11, 2015 at 12:59pm PST

Kelsea, who picked up a couple of CMA nominations in November, also just signed on to open shows for Billy Currington’s spring tour.