Watch: Chase Stokes Slams Kelsea Ballerini Fans Over Song TheoriesKelsea Ballerini isn't concerned with generating clickbait. After the "I Quit Drinking" singer's ex-boyfriend Chase Stokes condemned social media users who criticized her new song "Emerald City"-with some listeners theorizing that it was about his Outer Banks costar and former girlfriend Madelyn Cline-she issued her own message in defense of her artistry. "I write songs to relate to," Kelsea told fans while discussing the track at her Mount Pleasant Experience pop-up concert in Nashville Nov. 17, per People, "not to make a point on the internet." As she wrapped up her set, where she performed songs from her new EP Mount Pleasant, the 32-year-old couldn't hide her emotions while delivering a heartfelt message to her fans. "Thanks for embracing the not-so-glittery parts of me over the last few years," she went on. "I know that I'm the luckiest to be able to have all these very big feelings and be like, 'I need to put it in music or I will combust.'"readKelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes Spark Reconciliation Rumors 2 Months After BreakupFollowing the release of Kelsea's EP on Nov. 14, fans speculated that the lyrics of "Emerald City" were about the singer comparing herself to Madelyn, whom Chase dated from 2020 to 2021. But when the chatter made its way to the comment section of one of Kelsea's TikTok videos, the actor felt the need to speak out.
Francis Specker/CBS"These comments are f--king weird," he wrote. "Grow up." While Kelsea's rep confirmed her breakup with Chase, 32, in September after three years of dating, the former couple sparked rumors of a reconciliation after stepping out together in Croatia earlier this month. While neither party has addressed their current relationship status, the country star previously asked for privacy following their split. "CC: speculators, 'sources', and hidden cameras outside the hair salon," she captioned a video posted to TikTok in September. "Let us be. Please."For a deeper dive into Kelsea and Chase's romantic history, keep reading.
Instagram / Kelsea BalleriniDecember 2022: Shooting Her ShotKelsea Ballerini slid into Chase Stokes' DMs on Dec. 1, 2022 at 1:30 a.m. while she was out drunk with friends at a bar. They eventually met up in person for the first time on Jan. 7, 2023, which she considers their anniversary. "He hopped out of his Bronco, and he did not say a word to me," Kelsea later recalled on Call Her Daddy in November 2023, "and he grabbed my face and he kissed me and he pulled my face away and he said, 'Thank God you're real.'"Instagram / Kelsea BalleriniDecember 2022: Shooting Her ShotTheir romance blossomed after that first DM, which Kelsea shared in September 2023.
InstagramJanuary 2023: Romance RumorsThe two were photographed looking cozy at a football game.
Instagram/Kelsea BalleriniJanuary 2023: First Date NervesIn August 2023, Kelsea posted footage of the beginning of their relationship, sharing a throwback clip on TikTok of herself preparing for their first official date on Jan. 7, 2023. "Happy weekend," she captioned the post, "heres a video i sent to my best friend before my first date with chase." Set to her song "How Do I Do This," which is about going on a first date after many years, Kelsea modeled her outfit in the video. "Here's the look, with the boots" Kelsea said while checking herself out in a full-length mirror. Turning around to showcase her half-up, half-down hairstyle, she added, "We've got the hair clip, because we're trying to be a cool girl." She continued speaking to an unnamed friend, explaining, "He's picking me up and we're going to a sushi place and I'll call you tomorrow and for a full update." Taking a deep breath and raising one arm and finger in the air, she finally said, "I can do this. I can do this." And, after doing a little dance, she proclaimed, "It's just a date. You just go and you just eat food and you talk about things that you do, OK?"February 2023: Instagram CutenessChase shared a pic of himself and Kelsea showing some PDA. Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for CMTApril 2023: Award Show PDAThe two showcased their love on the CMAs red carpet.
Nina Westervelt/Variety via Getty ImagesApril 2023: Broadway BabyThe twosome attended the premiere party for the Broadway musical Shucked at Capitale. Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for CMTApril 2023: Red Carpet DebutThe pair officially stepped out as a couple at the CMT Music Awards.
InstagramMay 2023: Hometown VisitChase joined Kelsea on a trip to her hometown of Knoxville, Tenn.
Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Armani beautyJuly 2023: PDA AlertThe two attended Armani Beauty's ACQUA DI GIO and Gen A celebration in Malibu, Calif.
Instagram/Chase StokesJuly 2023: The Sweetest SurpriseChase shocked Kelsea when he unexpectedly greeted her at the airport, with both stars posting video and photos from their adorable reunion. Photo by Kristy Sparow/Variety via Getty ImagesAugust 2023: Ciao BellaThe couple only had eyes for one