Following her 2025 ACM Awards loss, Kelsea Ballerini opened up about the heartbreak, redefining success beyond trophies, and finding strength in her journey, a testament to her enduring spirit and the invaluable guidance she received early in her career from industry icon Taylor Swift.
Country music sensation Kelsea Ballerini recently shared a raw and vulnerable confession, revealing she cried herself to sleep after the 2025 American Country Music (ACM) Awards. This emotional moment, disclosed in an interview with Elle published on October 8, marks a significant turning point in the 32-year-old artist’s relationship with success and her illustrious career.
For an artist with a track record of numerous achievements, including seven No. 1 hits, the awards night in May proved to be a disheartening experience. “I wish I had a good answer for this, or I’d probably sleep a little better at night,” Ballerini admitted to Elle when questioned about the losses. She reflected on a perceived shift in the industry: “I had seven [No. 1 hits], and then one day, I just didn’t anymore. 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.”
An Emotional Awards Night: Nominations and Losses
At the 2025 ACM Awards, Ballerini was a prominent nominee, contending for three major accolades: Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Music Event of the Year. Despite her strong presence in the nominations, she ultimately went home empty-handed. The awards in the former two categories were clinched by fellow country star Lainey Wilson, while Ella Langley took home the prize for Music Event of the Year.
It was this sweep by her peers that led to the tearful night. “I did cry myself to sleep that night, that is true,” she confessed, emphasizing the genuine sting of the disappointment despite her public resolve. This candid admission resonated with many fans who have followed her journey.
Redefining Success: A Shift in Perspective
Despite the emotional setback, Ballerini‘s resolve to continue her musical journey remains unbroken. “I’m not gonna stop making music,” she firmly stated. Her experience has prompted a deeper introspection, leading her to redefine what success truly means. She explained her evolving perspective: “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. And now I just go, ‘You know what? 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 candid interview with Elle highlights a maturation in Ballerini‘s outlook, moving from external validation to an intrinsic sense of worth.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Fallout
In the immediate aftermath of the awards ceremony on May 8, Ballerini attended the event with her then-boyfriend, actor Chase Stokes. Following her losses, she took to her Instagram story to share a meme from the movie Mean Girls, featuring the line, “And none for Gretchen Wieners, bye.” Stokes also posted a supportive video of her performance with the caption, “entertainer of the year. goodnight.”
These social media reactions garnered swift backlash from some fans who perceived them as “unprofessional.” In response, Ballerini quickly issued a public shout-out to Lainey Wilson, writing on May 10, “just stopping in to say i respect the hell out of @ lainey wilson. as an artist, entertainer and friend. a deserving queen.” This move demonstrated her respect for her peers and helped to mitigate the negative sentiment.
The End of a Relationship and a Decade of Taylor Swift’s Advice
Adding another layer to Ballerini‘s tumultuous year, news of her split from Chase Stokes made headlines on September 14, ending their nearly three-year relationship. A representative for the singer told People, “They’re two adults who gave it their all and tried to do everything they could to make it work, but ultimately couldn’t. It happens.” Following the breakup, Ballerini removed all photos of Stokes from her Instagram, while Stokes notably kept some, including a birthday tribute posted just days before their split.
Amidst these personal and professional shifts, Ballerini has often drawn strength from invaluable guidance received early in her career. Days after the ACM Awards, she exclusively shared with Us Weekly that she spent a decade trying to follow advice from none other than Taylor Swift. “One of the most beautiful pieces of advice that I’ve gotten in my whole career was from her early on,” Ballerini recounted from a conversation when she was just starting out on an independent label. Swift‘s counsel was simple yet profound: “You have to become undeniable.”
This advice, Ballerini noted, forced her to re-evaluate her definition of success and find peace in her unique journey. It’s a philosophy that continues to guide her as she navigates the highs and lows of the music industry, transforming disappointments into opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
