Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes: A Whirlwind Romance From CMT Awards Debut to Broadway’s ‘Shucked’ Opening Night

Country music sensation Kelsea Ballerini and Outer Banks star Chase Stokes continue to capture public attention with their budding romance, prominently featuring in several high-profile events. Fresh off their dazzling appearance at the CMT Music Awards, the magnetic couple made a stylish statement at the opening night of Broadway’s newest musical, Shucked, on April 4th. The highly anticipated New York event provided another glamorous stage for the pair to showcase their undeniable chemistry and impeccable style.

A Star-Studded Broadway Debut for Kelsea and Chase

The energy was palpable on the red carpet as Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes arrived at the Nederlander Theatre for the premiere of Shucked. Posing for photographers, the couple exuded an air of effortless sophistication and genuine affection. Kelsea, known for her adventurous fashion choices, was a vision in a vibrant yellow mini-dress, featuring a daring midsection cutout that perfectly complemented her radiant persona. She paired the eye-catching ensemble with sheer tights and classic black heels, completing a look that was both chic and playful. By her side, Chase Stokes was the epitome of dashing in a sharp navy suit, impeccably tailored over a crisp white button-down shirt. Their coordinated yet distinct styles underscored their status as a rising power couple in the entertainment world.

The choice to attend a Broadway opening night, especially for a highly-anticipated show like Shucked, highlights the couple’s shared interest in the arts and their increasingly public presence together. Broadway premieres are traditionally significant cultural events, drawing A-list celebrities and industry insiders. Their attendance not only offered a glimpse into their romantic life but also positioned them as part of the broader New York cultural scene, distinct from the country music world where Kelsea often takes center stage. This high-profile outing in the Big Apple, just two days after their significant appearance at the CMT Awards, solidified their status as one of Hollywood’s hottest new pairings, generating considerable buzz across social media and entertainment news outlets.

From Austin to New York: A Red Carpet Journey

This vibrant New York City date night followed closely on the heels of Kelsea and Chase’s much-talked-about first official red carpet appearance as a couple at the CMT Music Awards in Austin, Texas, on April 2nd. That event marked a significant milestone for the duo, confirming their relationship in a very public and glamorous way. Kelsea Ballerini was not only attending but was the esteemed host of the prestigious awards ceremony, a testament to her growing influence in country music. Chase Stokes proudly accompanied her as her plus-one, offering visible support and admiration throughout the evening. His presence was a clear indication of his commitment to Kelsea and his role in her professional milestones.

Beyond her hosting duties, Kelsea delivered a powerful and memorable performance of her song “If You Go Down (I’m Going Down, Too),” captivating the audience with her raw talent and powerful message. From his seat in the audience, Chase was observed enthusiastically singing along, a sweet gesture that further underscored their genuine connection and mutual support. This public display of affection and shared joy resonated deeply with fans, who have been closely following their romantic journey since their initial quiet outings.

Kelsea Ballerini’s Bold Advocacy at the CMT Awards

The CMT Awards proved to be a pivotal platform for Kelsea Ballerini, not just for her hosting and performing prowess, but for her courageous advocacy. During her impactful performance, Kelsea made a profound statement by inviting four drag queens – Kennedy Davenport, Manila Luzon, Jan Sport, and Olivia Lux, all notable figures from RuPaul’s Drag Race – to join her onstage. This powerful act of solidarity came at a critical moment, amidst Nashville’s recent controversial attempt to pass an anti-drag bill. The proposed legislation aimed to prohibit “adult cabaret performances” from public spaces or where minors might be present, widely perceived as a direct attack on the LGBTQ+ community and freedom of expression.

Kelsea Ballerini’s decision to feature drag queens on such a prominent national stage was a bold and unequivocal stance in support of the LGBTQ+ community. Her actions garnered widespread praise for her bravery, particularly given the conservative leanings often associated with country music. It further cemented her reputation as an artist unafraid to use her platform for social good. A federal judge had fortunately blocked the anti-drag bill from taking effect at the end of March, following a lawsuit filed by an LGBTQ+ theater group against Tennessee and the District Attorney. Ballerini’s performance was a triumphant celebration of artistic freedom and a clear message against legislative discrimination, solidifying her position as one of the few country stars who have been consistently outspoken in supporting marginalized communities.

A Heartfelt Tribute and Call for Action on Gun Violence

In addition to her powerful statement during her performance, Kelsea Ballerini commenced the CMT Awards ceremony with another deeply impactful moment. As the host, she courageously chose to open the show by paying an emotional tribute to the victims of the tragic shooting at The Covenant School in Nashville, which occurred just days prior on March 27th. Her heartfelt words honored the six victims—three 9-year-old children and three adults—whose lives were senselessly cut short. It was a raw and moving acknowledgment of a tragedy that deeply affected her community and the nation.

Beyond simply honoring the victims, Kelsea used her platform to call for “real action” to prevent future tragedies of this nature. Her plea resonated deeply, underscoring the urgent need for tangible solutions to gun violence. This wasn’t the first time Ballerini had spoken out on the issue; she had previously addressed the horrific shooting in a poignant social media statement, consistently using her voice to advocate for stricter gun control measures and a safer society. Her dual commitment to celebrating art and addressing critical social issues through her platform at the CMT Awards truly showcased her evolving role as a socially conscious artist and advocate.

The Genesis of a Romance: Kelsea and Chase’s Journey

The visible connection and mutual admiration between Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes are the culmination of a romance that began at the dawn of 2023. Their story, a modern fairytale for the digital age, officially commenced after Kelsea playfully “slid into his DMs” on Instagram in December 2022. This candid confession from Kelsea herself offered fans a delightful glimpse into the relatable origins of their high-profile relationship, sparking immense interest and affection from their respective fan bases.

Before finding love with the Outer Banks heartthrob, Kelsea Ballerini had navigated a significant life transition. She was married to fellow country singer Morgan Evans for four and a half years. Their divorce proceedings began in August 2022 when Kelsea filed, leading to a period of personal reflection and growth for the artist. Her candidness about the challenges and emotional complexities of her divorce, particularly through her critically acclaimed album “Rolling Up the Welcome Mat,” resonated with many. Emerging from that chapter, her new relationship with Chase Stokes has been met with warmth and excitement, as fans celebrate her newfound happiness and the palpable joy she shares with the actor. Their public appearances, from supporting each other at major awards shows to enjoying Broadway’s finest, are a clear indication that this couple is not only thriving but also making their mark on Hollywood’s elite social circuit, balancing personal romance with professional milestones and significant social advocacy.