Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini reunited this November after breaking up in September. The couple sparked reconciliation rumors when spotted together in Croatia and Scotland earlier this month. However, the Outer Banks star notably skipped Ballerini’s performance at the 59th Annual CMA Awards on November 19, 2025.
The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping teaser drops with star-studded cast, Nov 2026 release
Meghan Trainor looks completely different after 60-pound weight loss, addresses shocking transformation
🔥 Quick Facts:
- Chase Stokes didn’t walk the red carpet at the CMA Awards on November 19.
- The couple separated in September 2025 after nearly 3 years of dating.
- Kelsea Ballerini performed “I Sit in Parks” solo at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.
- Stokes recently defended Ballerini from trolls making comments about her music.
- They reconnected in early November while traveling together in Europe.
The Unexpected CMA Awards Absence
Kelsea Ballerini arrived at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 19 without her boyfriend. She wore a striking red dress and looked stunning on the red carpet. The 32-year-old country star had attended the prior two years with Stokes by her side.
Bold and Beautiful spoilers: Luna faces grave danger as escape intensifies, Li pleads surrender
Mani Stone Roses bassist dies aged 63, legendary musician mourned by bandmates
This marks a notable moment for the couple. Just two weeks earlier, fans spotted them holding hands while traveling together. They were seen dancing and embracing in the streets of Dubrovnik, Croatia. The sightings created excitement among their fans about a potential reconciliation.
Sources close to the couple told Us Weekly before the awards, “[They] never really stopped being in touch after their brief split. They really picked up where they left off.” Yet despite confirming they were back together, Stokes chose not to attend the major award show.
The 33-year-old actor has been quite active on social media recently. Three days before the CMA Awards, Stokes publicly defended Ballerini from online trolls. He called out fans for making “weird” and “hateful” comments about her new album.
Why This Moment Matters
The CMA Awards represent country music’s biggest night. Ballerini earned four nominations at the 59th edition of the awards. The performance was her first major public moment since reconciling with Stokes. His absence raised questions about the nature of their relationship status.
Some fans speculated that Stokes may have had prior commitments. Others wondered if the couple was taking things slowly. Neither Stokes nor Ballerini has released an official statement about his absence. The decision stands in sharp contrast to their previous years together at award shows.
What made the evening peculiar was the emotional nature of Ballerini’s performance. Sources reported that her rendition of “I Sit in Parks” moved fans to tears. The song comes from her latest EP titled “Mount Pleasant.” Some fans speculated the vulnerable track related to her recent breakup and reconciliation.
Timeline of Their Relationship Evolution
Chase Stokes and Kelsea Ballerini first connected in early 2023. They were first spotted together at the College Football Playoff National Championship in Los Angeles that January. Ballerini had actually sent Stokes a direct message on December 1, 2022 at 1:30 a.m. while out with friends.
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| First DM | December 1, 2022 | Ballerini messaged Stokes at 1:30 a.m. |
| Public Meeting | January 2023 | Spotted together at College Football event |
| Relationship Move | October 2024 | Moved in together in Los Angeles |
| Breakup | September 2025 | Split after nearly 3 years of dating |
| Reconciliation | November 2025 | Reunited after 2 months apart |
The couple had moved in together by October 2024, just one year before their split. Both appeared happy during their first two years together. They attended major award shows as a couple, including the 2024 CMA Awards and the 2025 ACM Awards in May.
What Happens Next for the Couple?
The couple now faces a period of adjustment. They are officially back together but managing their relationship more carefully. Stokes has made it clear he wants to protect Ballerini from online negativity. His public defense of her shows his commitment to supporting her career and reputation.
- Ballerini will continue her music career with her new EP “Mount Pleasant”
- The couple may appear together at future events on their own timeline
- Both stars have successful individual careers to focus on
- Stokes continues work on Outer Banks for Netflix
- Their relationship appears to be moving slower and more intentionally
Is This Relationship Solid This Time?
Sources say Stokes and Ballerini never completely disconnected. They remained “in touch” during their two-month separation. The fact that they reconnected when traveling suggests they prioritized spending quality time together. However, his absence at the CMA Awards raises questions.
Some observers believe the couple is taking things slowly to ensure they work through their issues. Stokes’ public loyalty and defense of Ballerini indicates genuine feelings. Yet the couple hasn’t posted together on social media recently. They’re keeping their relationship more private than before.
For now, fans will watch and wait for the next public appearance together. Will Chase Stokes show up at Kelsea Ballerini’s next performance?
Sources
- People Magazine – Relationship timeline and reconciliation details
- Us Weekly – Source quotes about their relationship status
- Rolling Stone – CMA Awards performance information
Jessica Morrison is a seasoned entertainment writer with over a decade of experience covering television, film, and pop culture. After earning a degree in journalism from New York University, she worked as a freelance writer for various entertainment magazines before joining red94.net. Her expertise lies in analyzing television series, from groundbreaking dramas to light-hearted comedies, and she often provides in-depth reviews and industry insights. Outside of writing, Jessica is an avid film buff and enjoys discovering new indie movies at local festivals.