Decoding Kelsea Ballerini's Nod to 'Yeah Sure OK' in Her 2024 CMT Awards Monologue

Why Kelsea Ballerini References Yeah Sure OK Into Her 2024 CMT Awards Monologue

Kelsea Ballerini Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMT

Kelsea Ballerini was thrilled to host the 2024 CMT Music Awards on Sunday, April 7.

In her opening monologue from Austin’s Moody Center, Ballerini, 30, joyfully welcomed everyone to the 2024 CMT Awards. She expressed her excitement at hosting the show again this year, sharing that when CMT asked her to host for the fourth year in a row, her response was a resounding "Yeah, sure, OK."

Ballerini's fans are familiar with the updated outro "Yeah, sure, OK" from her 2023 single "Blindsided," which she performed on Saturday Night Live in March 2023.

At the end of the track, she sings, "Now you're singing out loud on the radio. But you're the only heart that breaks. You would've searched the whole world over. Yeah, sure. OK."

"Blindsided" is a track from her EP Rolling Up the Welcome Mat, where she opened up about her divorce from fellow country artist Morgan Evans. Following the release of the song, Evans responded with his own track "Over You," questioning when she realized their marriage was over for good.

Ballerini's mention of Sunday was a special moment for her dedicated fans. Earlier on TikTok, she had interacted with a follower who suggested she include the reference in her show.

Why Kelsea Ballerini References Yeah Sure OK Into Her 2024 CMT Awards Monologue

Kelsea Ballerini Hubert Vestil/Getty Images

Ballerini joked in a video while getting her makeup done, saying, "Challenge accepted." She shared her plan to sneak in the phrase 'Yeah, sure, OK' into the script for that night, a secret only known to those who watched the video.

In August 2023, Ballerini released her updated version of "Blindsided" on her Rolling Up the Welcome Mat (For Good) EP, following the original release in February.

"It's not just mine anymore, it's more of an 'ours' thing. The fans have been very vocal right from the start. When I performed 'Blindsided' on SNL, they immediately wanted the 'Yeah, Sure, OK' version," she told We exclusively. "Then, as I started singing 'Penthouse' live, it started to change and evolve every night. One day, I changed just one word on a whim, and it took on a whole new life. They wanted that version, called 'The Healed Version.' I didn't come up with that, it was all them."

Ballerini has found love with Outer Banks actor Chase Stokes in January 2023, moving on from Evans, 39. They made their red carpet debut at the CMTs in April and returned to the show on Sunday.

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"We don't intentionally coordinate our outfits. We simply try to complement each other's looks without actually matching. We definitely try to support each other," Stokes, who is 31 years old, shared exclusively with Us magazine last month about their red carpet fashion choices.

On Sunday, Ballerini looked amazing in a red outfit on the carpet, while Stokes rocked an all-white suit. Ballerini also had several outfit changes throughout the event, switching from yellow dresses to Barbie-inspired cowgirl jumpsuits and more.

Editor's P/S:

Kelsea Ballerini's hosting of the 2024 CMT Music Awards was a memorable event, marked by her playful references to her hit song "Blindsided." By incorporating the popular "Yeah, sure, OK" outro into her opening monologue, she not only entertained her fans but also showcased her ability to connect with her audience on a personal level. The song, which explores the aftermath of her divorce, has resonated with many and has become a symbol of resilience and healing.

Ballerini's collaboration with her fans in shaping the performance of "Blindsided" is a testament to her genuine connection with her audience. She has embraced the feedback and suggestions of her followers, evolving the song into a collective expression of shared experiences. Her ability to engage with her fans and make them feel like a part of the creative process is a key element of her success as an artist.