Kelsea Ballerini transported the audience to a nostalgic setting during her captivating performance at the CMA Awards on Wednesday night. Channeling a Lana Del Rey-inspired aesthetic, she unveiled her latest single, “I Sit in Parks,” from her newly released EP, Mount Pleasant.
Dressed in a striking sparkly red gown, Ballerini sat barefoot on a park swing adorned with flowers and weeds, gently swaying as she delivered the poignant lyrics. “Did I miss it? By now, is it/a lucid dream? Is it my fault?/for chasing things? A body clock,” she passionately sang, evoking a sense of introspection and vulnerability.
As she concluded her performance, the backdrop transformed into a rain-soaked visual display, making for a dramatic climax. The lyrics echoed her personal journey, referencing milestones with lines like, “So I sit in parks checkin’ benchmarks/Tarryn’s due in June, the album’s due in March,” showcasing her blend of sentiment and connection to time.
“I Sit in Parks” was released as the lead single from Mount Pleasant, which follows her highly regarded 2024 LP, Patterns, and its deluxe edition. In a statement about her new EP, Ballerini expressed her intention to capture a transformative period in her life. “Mount Pleasant is a collection of six songs I’ve written throughout the summer, marking a chapter of heavy self-examination, longing, and stepping further into who I am as a 32-year-old woman,” she shared.
This year, Ballerini is nominated for a CMA Award for Female Vocalist of the Year, standing alongside notable artists like Miranda Lambert and Lainey Wilson. Previously, she graced the stage with Noah Kahan for a memorable duet of “Cowboys Cry Too.” With two CMA Awards already under her belt for her collaboration on “Half of My Hometown” in 2021, Ballerini continues to solidify her status in the country music landscape.
Earlier this summer, she hinted at taking a break from music, emphasizing the importance of personal and creative rejuvenation. “I can’t make a shitty album,” she candidly stated, highlighting her commitment to quality and authenticity.
Accompanying Ballerini at the awards are other prominent performers, including Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Luke Combs, with Lainey Wilson set to host the event at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. As artists gather to celebrate their craft, Ballerini’s continued evolution and emotional depth bring a refreshing perspective to country music, promising fans more heartfelt melodies in the future.