In 2023, Kelsea Ballerini’s outfit change at the VMAs quickly went viral—mostly because the outfit change took place while the country star was onstage performing and also because most fans, somehow, missed it. That’s the magic of showbiz, baby!
Last night, at the 2024 Country Music Television Awards, the 30-year-old’s outfit changes took a little bit longer than the blink of an eye, but they were no less magical. As the host of one of country music’s biggest nights for the fourth year in a row, Ballerini wore a whopping 10 looks, including a red-carpet gown, a pantsless performance outfit, and a Barbie movie costume. (Is anyone else just now noticing how much she looks like Margot Robbie?)
With the help of her glam squad, including stylist Rob Zangardi, hairstylist Peter Lux, and makeup artist Kelsey Deenihan, Ballerini added some much-needed sparkle to the CMT Awards.
Here Kelsea Ballerini shares exclusive behind-the-scenes images from her whirlwind evening.
The red-carpet look
Ballerini kicked things off in a lace David Koma slip dress, styled with Effy jewelry, and Jimmy Choo shoes.
“I wanted to lean into the cover art for the reimagined version of ‘Love Me Like You Mean It’ and I feel like red is a color of confidence,” Ballerini tells Glamour of the vibrant color. “It embodies this next upcoming chapter for me.”
Cibelle Levi
The intro look
Nothing gets audience’s attention quite like a sheer crystal-embellished Dolce & Gabbana dress. Ballerini was giving sexy disco ball vibes in this showstopping (er, starting?) look, styled with Intimissimi underwear, Effy jewelry, and Gianvito Rossi shoes.
Cibelle Levi
Hosting look 2
More sparkly sheer fabric right this way. For her second look, Ballerini swapped her Dolce dress for a two-piece set by Georges Hobeika. She accessorized with Effy jewelry and Jimmy Choo shoes (and her boyfriend Chase Stokes).
