Kelsea Ballerini Takes the Stage at the Inaugural People's Choice Country Awards

The inaugural People's Choice Country Awards took over Nashville's famed Grand Ole Opry on Thursday night (September 28).

Bringing the country music community together to celebrate the year’s greatest accomplishments, toast iconic careers and enjoy magnetic performances, one of the night's most memorable moments came when country-pop queen, Kelsea Ballerini, took to the stage.

Donning a stunning gold floor-length dress and perched far back on a set of stairs on the hallowed, haze-covered stage, she began to sing fan-favorite track, 'Mountain With A View,' from 2023's highly acclaimed Rolling Up the Welcome Mat EP, which was nominated for The Album of 2023 at the night's show.

The song, which opens the deeply vulnerable project, recounts the moment when Ballerini decided that her former marriage with fellow country artist, Morgan Evans, had reached its conclusion. The pair announced their split in fall of 2022 and each have released several songs in reference to their divorce since.

Nearing the tune's climax, she made her way towards center stage, powerfully delivering the lines "I think that this is when I cut the ties / I think that this is when I set myself free / One day you'll ask, 'When was it over for you?'", which serves as a direct response to Evans' post-split single, 'Over For You'.

As the sobering tune played throughout the Opry House, the audience was utterly rapt, showing just how much power and conviction Ballerini has when it comes to her body of work.

In addition to her nod for The Album of 2023, Ballerini also earned nominations for The People's Artist of 2023, The Social Country Star of 2023 and The Female Artist of 2023.

For a full list of the night's winners, head here.

For more on the People's Choice Country Awards 2023, see below: