Unforgettable Moments from the CMA Awards: Kelsea Ballerini's Bathroom Serenade and More!

Country music superstars brought glamour to the 2023 CMA Awards on November 8th, but some of the most memorable moments happened off-camera. Kelsea Ballerini, who was nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year, delivered a powerful performance of her song "Leave Me Again" at the Bridgestone Arena. Prior to performing it live, the 30-year-old singer shared an intimate moment with her boyfriend, Chase Stokes, as he got to hear the track for the first time.

Ballerini, stunning in a dazzling gold gown, flawlessly rehearsed her acoustic set barefoot in the bathroom, while Stokes, 31, watched in utter admiration. (Ballerini and the Outer Banks star have been romantically linked since January, marking her first public relationship following her divorce from Morgan Evans.)

Ballerini and Stokes weren't the sole celebrity couple who transformed the CMA Awards into a memorable date night. Jelly Roll proudly accompanied his wife Bunnie XO to the awards ceremony, and she patiently awaited him backstage as he claimed the prestigious New Artist of the Year award. Once he stepped off the stage, Jelly Roll sought out Bunnie, and the two exchanged a heartfelt kiss.

Scroll below to see more backstage photos from country music’s biggest night:

Credit: John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA

Kelsea Ballerini Serenades Chase Stokes in the Bathroom and More CMA Awards Moments You Missed

Country music superstars added a touch of glamour to the 2023 CMA Awards on Wednesday, November 8th. However, some of the most memorable moments of the evening were not aired on television.

Kelsea Ballerini, who was nominated for Female Vocalist of the Year and Album of the Year, delivered a powerful and emotional performance of her song "Leave Me Again" at the Bridgestone Arena. Prior to her live performance, the 30-year-old singer gave her boyfriend Chase Stokes an exclusive preview of the track.

Ballerini, stunning in a glamorous gold gown, practiced her acoustic set in the bathroom without shoes as Stokes, 31, watched in amazement. (Ballerini and the Outer Banks star have been romantically linked since January, marking her first public relationship since divorcing Morgan Evans.)

Ballerini and Stokes were not the only celebrity couple who transformed the CMA Awards into a romantic evening. Jelly Roll brought his wife Bunnie XO to the awards ceremony, and she patiently waited backstage as he won New Artist of the Year. After his triumphant moment on stage, Jelly Roll joined Bunnie and they shared a tender kiss.

Scroll below to see more backstage photos from country music’s biggest night:

Credit: John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA

Bathroom Serenade

Ballerini practiced her rendition of “Leave Me Again” for Stokes’ ears only before hitting the CMA stage.

Credit: John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA

For the Girls

Lainey Wilson greeted music manager Mandelyn Monchick with a big hug.

Credit: John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA

Flashing Peace Signs

Nicole Kidman, who attended the show with husband Keith Urban, posed with Post Malone in the audience.

Credit: John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA

A Party in the Crowd

Cody Johnson gripped a red Solo cup in a photo with singers Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen.

Credit: John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA

A Moment to Remember

Zach Bryan gave Jelly Roll a few words of encouragement before his CMA Awards set.

Credit: John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA

Country Cuddles

Urban and Kidman twinned in black for the awards show.

Credit: John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA

Proud Boyfriend Alert

Wilson’s boyfriend, Devlin “Duck” Hodges, beamed as he held up the envelope that revealed one of her wins.

Credit: John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA

A Winning Kiss

Jelly Roll and his wife sealed his New Artist of the Year win with a kiss.

Credit: John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA

Ladies Night

Kidman spent time with several other country music singers’ wives: Nicole Combs, Abby Smyers, Hayley Hubbard, Lauren Bushnell Lane, Delaney Royer and Kailey Dickerson.