Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes Embrace 2023 CMA Awards Red Carpet as Barbie and Ken Lookalikes
Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes steal the show at the 2023 CMA Awards with their enchanting red carpet appearance, radiating love and undeniable chemistry
Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes. Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Kelsea Ballerini, 30, and Chase Stokes, 31, showcased their love on the red carpet at the 2023 CMA Awards on November 8th. The couple posed together before the prestigious event took place at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Ballerini exuded old Hollywood glamour in a stunning light pink satin dress featuring a high slit. She completed her look with a striking red lip and wore her blonde hair in elegant curls.
Stokes, on the other hand, was effortlessly stylish in an all-black suit that showcased a subtle country music influence through the striking velvet fabric on the jacket's lapels.
Ballerini has received two nominations for this year's event: she is up for Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year for her EP, Rolling Up the Welcome Mat, released in February. This recognition follows her previous CMA win in 2021, where she claimed victory in the Musical Event of the Year and Music Video of the Year categories for her chart-topping single "Half of My Hometown," a collaboration with Tennessee's own Kenny Chesney.
"I take immense pride in the fact that my first two CMAs have been awarded for a song that not only represents my roots but also celebrates the very dream that compelled me to leave in pursuit of it," expressed Ballerini in a November 2021 statement. "As a child growing up in Knoxville, I would watch the CMAs, so to now experience this feels both surreal and truly special, especially being able to share this joyous occasion with many of my songwriting friends and my idol Kenny Chesney. This is a moment I will forever cherish."
Following her initial CMA victories, Ballerini's personal life underwent some significant changes. In August 2022, she ended her marriage with Morgan Evans after being together for nearly five years. Two months later, their divorce was finalized, and Ballerini embarked on a new chapter with Stokes, someone she was first linked to in late 2022.
The couple publicly appeared together for the first time at the CMT Music Awards in April. Stokes was seen dancing and singing along to Ballerini's performance. Since then, he has been seen supporting her at her Heartfirst Tour, as well as accompanying her to various awards shows.
Ballerini discussed their choice to be open about their relationship earlier this year. She explained that when you are with someone you feel secure and proud to be with, there is no reason not to share it. She added that they are both Virgos and connect easily, making their relationship great after six months.
The photo provided shows Jason Kempin/Getty Images.
This couple's playful and visible relationship has endeared them to fans, making them one of the most beloved celebrity pairs. In a recent interview with Nylon, Ballerini explained what makes her and Stokes such a perfect match.
"We embody the energetic and warm nature of golden retrievers, but also possess a touch of assertiveness and an unwavering determination," she shared with the outlet in October. "He is the first person I have been in a relationship with who doesn't feel like my polar opposite."
The singer of "Penthouse" also reminisced about the initial stages of their romance, expressing that she felt an instant bond with the Outer Banks actor right from their first date in Los Angeles.
When asked about their connection, she confidently stated, "I knew it the moment I met him." Some may think I haven't learned anything, but I've always followed my heart, and it has never steered me wrong. I have always found myself in the right place at the right time." To discover more about Nashville, don't miss We's VIP Guide to Music City.
