Kelsea Ballerini Turns Heads: 30-Year-Old Country Music Star Stuns Fans with “No Pants” Look at CMT Awards

Ever come across the phrase ‘less is more’? Undoubtedly, as a human being, you’ve encountered it. While it often rings true in various scenarios, there are times when this approach seems to miss the mark entirely.

Critics recently had plenty to say about a particular ensemble worn by country singer Kelsea Ballerini during her hosting duties at the CMT Awards in Austin this past Sunday, April 7.

Reportedly, it was Ballerini’s fourth time hosting the event since 2021, but her first solo endeavor. Throughout the evening, she underwent a staggering nine outfit changes.

While glitz, glamour, and occasionally daring wardrobe choices are par for the course at music awards ceremonies, some felt Ballerini may have pushed the envelope a bit too far when she donned a gold bodysuit… seemingly with nothing underneath.

According to PEOPLE, the 30-year-old had prerecorded a revamped rendition of “Love Me Like You Mean It” a few days before the awards show, clad in the aforementioned gold bodysuit and towering heels, which was later aired for the audience. While the singer seemed to fully embrace her “no-pants” moment, she chose to address the online backlash just a day later.

Responding to apparent complaints on her TikTok channel, Kelsea Ballerini shut down critics who questioned her outfit choices, including remarks like “You forgot your pants for your performance.” In a video response, she simply retorted, “Shut up. No I didn’t.”

Another critic allegedly asked, “Where are your pants?” once again prompting a straightforward response from Kelsea: “Shut up.”

Fans of the country music star flooded the comments section with support for her witty comebacks.

“LMAO, Kelsea, you look INCREDIBLE tonight,” one fan exclaimed.

“Every outfit slayed,” another fan praised.

“It looked amazing,” a third fan added, “You’re perfect.”

As the curtains closed on this year’s event, Kelsea Ballerini, after a total of nine outfit changes, announced that it would be her final time hosting the show.

“There’s something about this show, in particular, that feels like a summer party,” Ballerini shared with PEOPLE. “Everyone backstage is ‘cheers’-ing each other and running into each other’s dressing rooms. That’s the energy that I want to bring on screen and into the room.”

What are your thoughts on Ballerini’s ‘controversial’ outfit? Share your opinions in the comments below!