Photo credit: www.billboard.com
In 2018, Kelsea Ballerini made her debut as a headliner at the iconic Ryman Auditorium, a cherished venue in Nashville with a seating capacity of approximately 2,300. From that moment, she vowed that she would not headline another show in Nashville until she could sell out the larger Bridgestone Arena, which holds around 20,000 concertgoers, located just a short distance away.
On January 31, that dream came to fruition when Ballerini took the stage at Bridgestone Arena to a packed house, showcasing her artistry during the Kelsea Ballerini Live on Tour 2025.
“I can hardly believe we’re having a sold-out night at Bridgestone Arena,” she exclaimed to the audience early in her performance. “I’m the type to really express my excitement, so I hope to share that energy with you throughout the night. This venue holds a special place in my heart as I’ve been here countless times as a fan, watching my favorite artists perform.”
Over the past seven years, Ballerini not only solidified her status as a headlining artist but also expanded her presence across multiple media platforms. She has hosted prestigious awards shows, partnered with CoverGirl, and recently stepped into a significant role as a coach on the television show The Voice, which debuts soon. During her Bridgestone performance, she brought the spirit of the television series to life, with fans eagerly queuing for a chance to sit in the famous red chair from the show.
Yet, it was the heartfelt songs and her exceptional connection with the audience that truly defined her elaborate arena show. Ballerini showcased her ability to create both powerful anthems and deeply vulnerable ballads. The contemporary music scene has seen a surge of female artists like Taylor Swift, Olivia Rodrigo, and Billie Eilish, each expressing their unique narratives on life and love. Ballerini brings a similar spirit to the country genre, echoing the sentiments of her peers to resonate with fans.
The sold-out concert featured an all-female lineup, with Ballerini supported by openers MaRynn Taylor and Sasha Alex Sloan.
Ballerini kicked off her performance with “Patterns,” the title track from her recently released album, which debuted at No. 1 on the country albums chart and No. 4 on the all-genre Billboard 200. Positioned atop a large stack of luggage reminiscent of her album cover, she engaged the crowd by asking, “Are you ready to begin unpacking?”
Transitioning through a blend of emotions, Ballerini took the audience on a musical journey reflecting her evolution from a fresh-faced newcomer, exemplified in hits like “Love Me Like You Mean It,” to a more seasoned artist shaped by personal experiences and growth. She easily balanced energetic moments with heartfelt expressions, ensuring the night was entertaining yet introspective.
“We have tracks for your best friends, the girls’ night crew, and love interests,” she declared, moving through spirited anthems such as “Hole in the Bottle” and “If I Go Down (You’re Goin’ Down Too).”
The show was a full-fledged celebration of country-pop, complete with large video displays, a catwalk extending into the audience, and a dazzling array of lights and pyrotechnics. Ballerini donned several stunning outfits throughout the evening, showcasing a vibrant mix of red bodysuits, sparkling dresses, and elegant gowns.
The setlist intertwined themes of love and heartache, featuring uplifting tracks like “Heartfirst” and “Love Me Like You Mean It,” alongside more sorrowful reflections. However, at the core of her performance were anthems centered on empowerment and friendship, such as “I Miss Me More” and “I Would, Would You.” Ballerini’s approach to songwriting—rooted in personal experiences—was particularly evident in her projects like Rolling Up The Welcome Mat and Patterns, which reflect her artistic growth and an unapologetic willingness to dive into emotional depths.
Ballerini’s authenticity and candidness have facilitated a strong bond with her audience. She acknowledged her journey from her breakout hits in 2014, emphasizing the genuine nature of her songwriting. “I aimed to write songs that resonate with everyone, particularly for women and the LGBTQ+ community,” she shared, prompting enthusiastic applause from the crowd.
Reflecting on her artistic evolution, Ballerini noted, “While my earlier works had some polished edges, my more recent projects have embraced a raw honesty. Making Rolling Up The Welcome Mat felt life-changing because it was truly for me, and I made sure not to shy away from difficult truths in Patterns.”
Before performing her hit “Peter Pan,” she offered words of encouragement to the young girls in attendance: “Remember, you deserve steady and good love.”
The AEG Presents-promoted tour is set to conclude on April 9 in North Carolina.
Here are five standout moments from Ballerini’s Bridgestone Arena concert.
A Friendship-Celebrating Singalong
As the night wrapped up, Ballerini celebrated friendship by inviting the audience to join her in a singalong of Bill Withers’ timeless classic “Lean On Me,” seamlessly blending it with her own song “I Would, Would You.”
“Peter Pan” Gets a Harmony-Drenched Approach
Ballerini revisited her hit from 2016 with a beautifully harmonized version of “Peter Pan,” accompanied by her backup singers, as the audience enthusiastically joined in, bringing the story of an immature partner to life.
Ballerini, Keith Urban Team For “Stupid Boy”
Toward the end of the concert, Ballerini recounted how Keith Urban’s 2006 song “Stupid Boy” inspired her musical aspirations. Having previously opened for Urban on his 2018 tour, the two reunited on stage to deliver a passionate performance of the song, blending their voices and guitar skills in a moving rendition about heartache and liberation.
Self-Empowerment & Self-Love Leads the Evening
One of the night’s most empowering moments came with Ballerini’s earlier hit “I Miss Me More,” which exuded confidence. The track, celebrated for its catchy, uplifting chorus, resonated strongly with fans who embraced its message of rediscovering one’s identity after a challenging relationship.
“Blindsided” Brings Therapeutic Release
A highlight of the evening was the powerful performance of “Blindsided,” a standout track from Rolling Up the Welcome Mat. The audience joined in enthusiastically with the biting lyrics, relishing the shared experience of confronting the excuses of an ex-lover through Ballerini’s poignant delivery.
Source
www.billboard.com