Kelsea Ballerini Goes Red Carpet Official With Chase Stokes At CMT Music Awards

Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes are creating new milestones together.

The Grammy-nominated country singer who rose to fame with her debut album "The First Time" was previously married to Morgan Evans before they called it quits in 2022. By February 2023, it was confirmed that Chase Stokes, best known for his role in the hit series Outer Banks, and the star were in a romantic relationship.

The pair, rumored to be dating in January, walked the red carpet together on Sunday evening. The 29-year-old revealed to CMT's Carissa Culiner during their red carpet pre-show that she had a "scorching date" for the night and expressed her happiness and excitement about their first public appearance as a couple.

Ballerini shared that she was looking forward to introducing Stokes to her world and later visiting Charleston, where Outer Banks is filmed. The giddy star added, "I don't know if it's the big moments on TV or where I am in my life or what it is, but I feel really good. I'm happy to be here, and the show is amazing."

The "Love Me Like You Mean It" singer, who co-hosted the event with Kane Brown, also performed and was nominated for two major categories, including video of the year for her hit single "Heartfirst."

The "Songland" guest star noted that the rehearsal went smoothly, leaving her feeling relaxed and prepared for the night ahead. "Me and Kane did the whole dressed rehearsal seamlessly," she said, adding humorously, "What could go wrong?" She also teased that a surprise performance was planned for the evening, which she described as "glittery, bright, celebratory, and important." 

According to PEOPLE, after their relationship confirmation, the actor had been spotted accompanying her to some high-profile performances, including her appearance as a musical guest on Saturday Night Live in March. The publication also disclosed that fans had seen the 30-year-old accompanying the "Greatest Hits" co-host on her tour and singing along to her performances. 

In February, The Blast observed that the lovebirds made their relationship public on social media with several social media posts. The "Between Waves" actor started by sharing an adorable post about them kissing.

In the picture uploaded to his Instagram story, they packed on the PDA, and Ballerini could be seen giving him a big kiss on the cheek. At the bottom of the image, "Tell Me Your Secrets," the guest actor wrote "imy❤️," the shortened form of "I miss you." In return, the "Hell's Kitchen" VIP guest diner showed her support for her beau by sharing the poster for season three of "Outer Banks," which featured Stokes on the cover. 

Despite their initial spark on stage at the CMAs in 2016, their nearly 4-year long marital journey was fraught with discomfort and difficulties, with Ballerini even having to spend a few nights on the couch. Ultimately, she realized that the marriage had ended and decided to file for divorce.

The Blast noted that she shared her heartbreaking experience about the tumultuous union with Evans, which ended in divorce last August. After initially keeping the details of her relationship and its breakdown away from the media, the "CMA Music Festival: Country's Night To Rock" co-host opened up to Alexandra Cooper on her show and shared the tea that many were eager to hear.

The podcast host asked Ballerini if she could recall when she realized her marriage would not work out, prompting the singer to reveal that she had known for a "long time." She shared that she and the 37-year-old had gone through separations, years of couples therapy, and many nights of sleeping on the couch. She explained that their relationship had required a lot of effort for a long time.

The Academy of Country Music Awards winner went on to share that she remembered when she had to sleep on the couch the night before the CMAs because while at a rehearsal in the arena, she tried to text her estranged husband, but he replied saying, "I'll just see you at [sic] the carpet."

Although she did not specify which year it happened, it aligned with the narrative of her song "Blindsided."