Kelsea Ballerini cherishes her fans deeply, yet she draws the line at certain behaviors during her concerts. In a recent interview with Variety, the country music superstar confessed that every time she performs a track from her 2023 EP, "Rolling Up the Welcome Mat," which chronicles her rocky marriage and eventual divorce from Australian singer-songwriter Morgan Evans, she grapples with rehashing those painful memories.
Nominated for a Grammy in the Best Country Album category, the EP has understandably become a fan favorite, prompting audiences to yearn for its tunes during Ballerini's live performances. Though she initially hadn't planned to sing those songs at her concerts, she strives to cater to her fans' wishes. However, this willingness has led to some unforeseen challenges.
During one concert, Ballerini recounted a fan from the front row handing her divorce papers, seeking an autograph. With grace, she declined the request. Another incident occurred while she was belting out "Penthouse" when a fan exclaimed, "F--k him!" amidst the performance. This prompted Ballerini to halt her singing and address the situation head-on.
"Friends, we need to stop with that language," she firmly stated. "Honestly, it's been three years since then. Everything's alright now. I sing this song for you; it's no longer about me."
Ballerini shared with Variety that releasing "Patterns," the successor to "Welcome Mat," brought a mixture of emotions. "So many more ears tuned into my music, which has always been my dream," she revealed. "But it was equally beautiful and incredibly challenging."
Fortunately for Ballerini, love has found its way back into her life with a resounding success. She and Outer Banks star Chase Stokes have emerged as the epitome of a power couple. Their romance blossomed in 2023, merely a year after her highly publicized divorce following a five-year marriage. Since then, Stokes has been a steadfast companion at her concerts and red carpet appearances, standing by her side through thick and thin.
