When the Spotlight Fades, Kelsea Ballerini’s Tearful Night Shows the Price Behind the Glamour. ML
Kelsea Ballerini Opens Up About ACM Awards Disappointment and Redefining Success
Kelsea Ballerini recently shared her feelings of disappointment after not winning at the 2024 ACM Awards. In an interview with Elle published on October 8, the 32-year-old reflected on how she’s redefining success beyond award shows.
“I wish I had a good answer for this, or I’d probably sleep a little better at night,” she said about why she thought she lost. “I had seven [No. 1 hits], and then one day, I just didn’t anymore. I still put in the work, and I still show up and put out songs that are undeniably country to the radio, and it’s just different now, and that’s OK.”
Despite the setbacks, Ballerini is determined to keep going. “I’m not gonna stop making music,” she said. “I think it’s just about shifting where I find success… I’ve never really been an award show girlie. I love going and performing, but now I’m happy to be in the conversation. I know that I have value here, and this is not where I find my success.”
However, she admitted it still stung: “I did cry myself to sleep that night, that is true.”
Ballerini was nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Music Event of the Year but lost to Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley.
Meanwhile, news of Ballerini’s breakup with actor Chase Stokes after nearly three years together surfaced on September 14. Following the split, Ballerini deleted all photos of Stokes from her Instagram. Stokes has kept photos of Ballerini, including a birthday tribute posted just days before their separation.
