Country music sensation Kelsea Ballerini recently shared the deeply personal impact of her 2025 American Country Music Awards losses, confessing to Elle that despite her public resilience, she ultimately “cried herself to sleep” that night.
The glitz and glamour of award season often hide the profound emotional experiences of artists. For country music star Kelsea Ballerini, the 2025 American Country Music Awards (ACMs) presented a stark contrast between her poised public appearance and a night of private heartbreak. In a candid interview with *Elle*, Ballerini peeled back the curtain, revealing the raw vulnerability that followed her nominations without a win.
The 2025 ACM Awards: Nominations and Unexpected Losses
At 32 years old, Kelsea Ballerini is a familiar and beloved face at country music’s biggest nights. Her name is routinely on the nominations list, signaling her consistent presence and impact in the genre. For the 2025 ACM Awards, held in May, Ballerini received nods in three significant categories:
- Entertainer of the Year
- Female Artist of the Year
- Music Event of the Year
Despite these esteemed nominations, Ballerini went home empty-handed. The coveted Entertainer of the Year and Female Artist of the Year awards were both claimed by fellow country star Lainey Wilson, who, at 33, amassed four accolades that night. The Music Event of the Year award went to Ella Langley, 26, who secured an impressive five wins. This outcome, though part of the unpredictable nature of award shows, left many fans and Ballerini herself reflecting on the shifting landscape of success in country music.
A Candid Confession: Crying Herself to Sleep
Speaking with *Elle* editor-in-chief Nina Garcia for the publication’s “Defining with Elle” video series, Ballerini addressed the disappointment felt by her fans and the “shocking” lack of wins. Her response was disarmingly honest. “I wish I had a good answer for this, or I’d probably sleep a little better at night,” Ballerini admitted in the interview, which was published on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, as seen in the official Elle YouTube video.
She recounted a pivotal shift in her career trajectory: “I had seven number ones and then one day I just didn’t anymore.” This reflection highlighted a professional change that has deeply informed her current perspective. Despite the evolving industry, Ballerini emphasized her unwavering dedication to her craft: “I still put in the work, and I still show up and put out songs that are undeniably country to the radio, and it’s just different now and that’s ok.”
While publicly articulating a healthy philosophy towards success, the emotional toll of the ACMA night was undeniable. Ballerini added a raw postscript to her philosophical outlook: “I did cry myself to sleep that night, that is true. So I say this, but I need to be honest with you.” This honest confession resonated with many, revealing the deep-seated emotional investment artists have in their work and recognition.
Shifting Perspectives: “I’m Not Gonna Stop Making Music”
Ballerini’s journey is one of adaptation and resilience. She shared her redefined approach to her career, stating, “If this was what success looks like for those first seven songs and now that’s shifted for whatever reason, where else can we go? Because I’m not gonna stop, I’m not gonna stop making music.” This powerful declaration underscores her commitment to her artistry beyond external validation.
Her evolving philosophy extends to award shows themselves. “I’ve never really been an award show girlie. I love going and I love performing, and I really let it affect me for a long time,” she mused. Now, she approaches them differently: “I’m happy to be in the conversation. I know that I have value here and this is not where I find my success.” This mature outlook on her career and self-worth offers a valuable lesson in an industry often driven by accolades.
Fan Reactions and the Social Media Aftermath
The public reaction to the 2025 ACM Awards losses was swift and varied. Following the May 8 event, where Ballerini was accompanied by then-boyfriend Chase Stokes, the country star took to her Instagram Story with a relatable *Mean Girls* meme, playfully referencing her lack of wins. Stokes, 33, also shared a supportive video of Ballerini’s performance, captioning it “Entertainer of the Year. Goodnight.”
These social media posts, while intended to be lighthearted or supportive, sparked a mixed reaction from fans and critics, with some deeming them “unprofessional.” In response to the backlash, Ballerini quickly offered a public message of support for her peer. On May 10, she posted on her Instagram Story, stating, “Just stopping in to say I respect the hell out of @laineywilson. As an artist, entertainer and friend. A deserving queen.” This gesture demonstrated her ability to navigate public scrutiny with grace and professionalism.
Lessons in Resilience: The Taylor Swift Connection
Ballerini’s journey through career highs and lows is further illuminated by advice she received early on from none other than pop superstar Taylor Swift. Just days after the ACM Awards, on May 16, Ballerini exclusively told *Us Weekly* about Swift’s powerful guidance: “One of the most beautiful pieces of advice that I’ve gotten in my whole career was from her early on… She said, ‘You have to become undeniable.’”
This advice, which Ballerini spent a decade trying to implement, has shaped her understanding of what true success entails. It’s not just about awards or chart positions, but about the lasting impact of one’s artistry and finding internal peace. Her experience at the 2025 ACMs, despite the initial tears, ultimately reinforced this deeper understanding of her value and purpose as an artist.
