Kelsea Ballerini delivered a visually striking live performance of her new single, “I Sit in Parks”, during the 2025 CMA Awards on Wednesday night at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Dressed in a sparkling red gown, the country star performed barefoot on a park swing as rain visuals poured behind her, creating a Lana Del Rey-inspired atmosphere. The performance marked the live debut of her lead single from the recently released EP Mount Pleasant. Ballerini is also a nominee this year for Female Vocalist of the Year, competing against Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, and Lainey Wilson.
The performance was set in a flower and weed-lined swing, where Ballerini gently rocked while singing reflective lyrics from her EP. The live rendition highlighted her connection to Mount Pleasant and conveyed the introspective tone of the new songs. She closed the song stepping off the swing as digital rain visuals soaked her hair, underlining the melancholic, nostalgic mood.
Ballerini’s EP Mount Pleasant follows her 2024 LP Patterns and its deluxe edition. The six-song project, according to her statement, reflects a period of “heavy self-examination, longing, and stepping further into who I am as a 32-year-old woman.”
Ballerini discussed her approach to music this year in a June interview with Rolling Stone, saying, “I can’t make a shitty album. I need to take a breath and cook a meal and, like, learn to play tennis or something, and then pick up a guitar.” Her performance at the CMA Awards showcased the artistic growth she emphasized, blending visual storytelling with a deeply personal song.
Critics praised her live debut, noting that the combination of weather effects, set design, and emotive vocals created a memorable CMA moment. “Kelsea Ballerini brought cinematic storytelling to the stage,” one industry observer commented, highlighting her ability to captivate both live and broadcast audiences.
This performance underscores Ballerini’s continued prominence in country music, as she balances live performances with recorded projects. Her CMA nomination solidifies her position among top female vocalists in the genre. The visually dynamic staging also reflects the industry’s trend of blending live music with immersive experiences, aiming to engage both in-person and digital viewers.
The EP and live debut have the potential to boost streaming numbers, while her CMA stage presence reinforces her credibility as both a performer and a songwriter capable of connecting with audiences emotionally.
Following the CMA Awards, Ballerini is expected to continue promoting Mount Pleasant through media appearances, radio interviews, and tour announcements in 2026. Fans can anticipate additional live performances of EP tracks and potential collaborations with other top country artists. Her CMA appearance sets the stage for heightened visibility in the next award season and reinforces her reputation as a leading figure in contemporary country music.
CMA Awards Official Broadcast, Bridgestone Arena, Nashville
Rolling Stone, “Kelsea Ballerini Talks Mount Pleasant,” 2025
ABC News Entertainment, CMA Awards Coverage
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