Wed Oct 15 00:40:00 UTC 2025: **Kelsea Ballerini Reflects on ACM Awards Disappointment, Cried Herself to Sleep After Losses**

**Nashville, TN (October 10, 2025)** – Country music star Kelsea Ballerini is opening up about a vulnerable moment following the recent American Country Music (ACM) Awards. In a candid interview with Elle magazine, the 32-year-old singer revealed that she cried herself to sleep after losing in all three categories she was nominated for at the May awards show.

Ballerini, nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Music Event of the Year, ultimately saw Lainey Wilson and Ella Langley take home the awards. Despite the loss, Ballerini is redefining her relationship with success.

“I had seven [No. 1 hits], and then one day, I just didn’t anymore,” Ballerini told Elle. “I still put in the work… and it’s just different now, and that’s OK.” While acknowledging the sting of the loss, she emphasized she won’t give up on music. “I’m not gonna stop making music… I think it’s just about shifting where I find success.”

Ballerini said she will shift her perspective toward the awards shows, adding “I’m happy to be in the conversation. I know that I have value here, and this is not where I find my success.”

The interview comes shortly after news of Ballerini’s split from actor Chase Stokes, her boyfriend at the time of the ACM awards, after nearly three years together. The breakup was announced on September 14th.

Read More