Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini.Photo: Jeff Kravitz/Getty
It’s date night forKelsea BalleriniandChase Stokes!
The “Blindsided” singer, 29, and theOuter Banksstar, 30, made their red carpet debut as a couple at theCMT Music Awardson Sunday night.
Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini.Kevin Mazur/Getty
Ballerini is on hand as the night’s co-host alongsideKane Brown, and is also up fortwo major categories(including video of the year for “Heartfirst”) as well as performing.
“I’m relaxed today. Me and Kane did the whole dressed rehearsal seamlessly,” she said before joking, “What could go wrong?”
Ballerini teased, “Thereisa surprise tonight. It is glittery, it is bright and it is celebratory. It is important.”
Kelsea Ballerini.Emma McIntyre/Getty
She and Stokes were first linked in January, and Ballerini later confirmed their romance in a February episode of theCall Her Daddypodcast.
“I’ve never seen his show, but I just knew of him, and I just swan dove right on in,” she told host Alex Cooper. “His handle is ‘@hichasestokes,’ and I said, ‘Hi, Chase Stokes.’ "
Stokes has since accompanied the star to several high-profile performances, including her set as musical guest onSaturday Night Livein March.
Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini.Chase Stokes Instagram
This year marks the third time co-hosting the CMTs for Ballerini. Last April, she co-hosted and performed from the comforts of her home (whileAnthony MackieandKane Brownheld down the fort onstage) aftertesting positive for coronavirus.
In 2021 though, when making her hosting debut, Ballerini did not miss out on style.All five of her looks, from the red carpet to the stage, made her an eye-catching star.
The “Mountain with a View” artist kicked off the night in a pink pleather corset top/pants combo with matching Giuseppe Zanotti heels for her red-carpet appearance. The outfit was also a rewear from when sheaccepted the awardfor CMT performance of the year, for her 2020 CMT Music Awards duet of “The Other Girl” with Halsey.
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From there, she slipped into a shimmering blue dress for a performance of her song, “I Quit Drinking,” with Paul Klein of LANY.
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Ballerini released her surprise EP,Rolling Up the Welcome Mat, and its accompanying short film, on Valentine’s Day. But, just a week before she paid tribute to its preceding studio album,Subject to Change, with a special ensemble at the2023 Grammys.
Kelsea Ballerini.Getty
The best part: Ballerini teamed her custom designer gown with asoft rock ‘n roll glamall achieved with makeup favorites from Covergirl makeup favorites (apt for Ballerini who is the face of the brand).
Her makeup artist,Kelsey Deenihan, gave PEOPLE an exclusive look at what went into creating the star’s look of the night. “I wanted Kelsea’s monochromatic, warm copper makeup look to complement her gorgeous sunshine yellow Prabal gown,” Deenihan shared.
source: people.com
