Latest news with #Ballerini
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kelsea Ballerini pairs with CMA Fest partner SoFi for college student-aimed financial program
Official CMA Fest partner SoFi is already uniquely doubling down on its active engagement in country's mainstream marketplace. The 14-year-old personal finance and financial technology company has announced a partnership with Grammy-nominated Academy of Country Music and Country Music Association Award-winner Kelsea Ballerini and tnAchieves, a nationally recognized nonprofit dedicated to college access and success, to launch the Rising Stars Program. The $2 million initiative will provide Tennessee-based college students over $500,000 in grants to expand its COMPLETE program aimed at helping college students quickly gain financial independence in their post-graduation years. "I'm incredibly proud to be working with SoFi to give students in Tennessee the financial tools and education they need to succeed. Investing even small amounts of money in your 20s will go further than larger amounts invested later in life. Building true financial independence starts by investing in your future early," offered Ballerini via a press statement. SoFi's contributions will fund students' 1:1 coaching and financial support as they prepare for a high-skill, high-wage career, plus a specialized financial readiness curriculum for the 60,000 students across their programs. Financial assistance for food, housing, laptops, textbooks, and emergency funds, plus a financial planning curriculum covering topics like budgeting, investing, and saving for future life milestones. In addition, SoFi is offering every Tennessee resident between 18-24 the opportunity to receive a minimum of $5 in free stock of their choosing, with a chance to win up to $1,000 in stock – all with no minimum deposit or fees required. 'tnAchieves could not be more excited to partner with SoFi to bring financial literacy resources to our students and families, helping more Tennesseans achieve their ambitions of going to college and earning a high-quality degree,' said Krissy DeAlejandro, President/CEO of tnAchieves. 'The Rising Stars Program will provide our students with the critical support and mentorship they need to get into college, pursue meaningful careers, and build generational wealth. We are grateful for their support as tnAchieves executes programs designed to build Tennessee's future workforce by meeting each student where they are — at scale.' To participate in the Rising Stars program, college students can register for an Active SoFi Invest brokerage account, with no minimum deposit required. Once their account is set up, they will be directed to a promotion where they can reveal a $5, $10, $50, $100, or $1,000 prize and select their chosen stock(s). This offer is available to Tennessee residents aged 18-24 who do not have an Active Investing brokerage account with SoFi. Registration is open from June 6 until July 31, 2025. The Rising Stars Program is part of the SoFi Generational Wealth Fund, which has contributed millions of dollars across multiple initiatives to help underserved communities build wealth for the next generation. A press statement notes that SoFi's programs have helped low-income families purchase their first home, funded high school athletic programs, provided financial aid for family planning and empowered women's economic independence. "Patterns" vocalist Ballerini joins SoFi's iGenerational Wealth Fund partners, including NBA All-Star and Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, tennis champion and best-selling author Venus Williams, Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, and Los Angeles Sparks forward and WNBA star Cameron Brink. Visit for more information. Via a SoFi Plus membership, as the presenting partner of June 5-8, 2025's CMA Fest, personal finance company SoFi is offering attendees exclusive event perks. From VIP access to money-back rewards, SoFi Plus members could receive the following at CMA Fest: 25% Cash Back Rewards: Earn 25% cash back on up to $200 of eligible food, drinks, and merch purchases at CMA Fest when they use their SoFi credit or debit card SoFi Plus Lounge Access: Get exclusive access to the SoFi Plus Lounge, located inside Riverfront Station at the end of Broadway. There, members (and a plus one) can cool down with drinks, custom swag, ACs, indoor restrooms, and surprise perks daily Last-Minute Ticket Drops: SoFi Plus members will have first access to a limited number of last-minute CMA Fest tickets – available exclusively to subscribers on a first-come, first-served basis SoFi will provide fans music, rewards, and comfort, with access to over $1,000 in annual value for SoFi Plus members who engage in qualifying activities across banking, investing, and spending. To learn more or join SoFi Plus, visit This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Kelsea Ballerini, SoFi team up for college student financial program
Express Tribune
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Kelsea Ballerini addresses Lainey Wilson after ACM Awards sweep and social media buzz
Kelsea Ballerini has publicly addressed the results of the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards, where she went home without a win despite three nominations. The country star took to Instagram on May 10 to clarify her stance following speculation that she was upset about Lainey Wilson's sweep of major categories. 'Just stopping in to say I respect the hell out of laineywilson. As an artist, entertainer, and friend,' Ballerini posted to her Instagram Stories. 'A deserving queen.' At the ACM Awards held on May 8, Ballerini was nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year, and Music Event of the Year (alongside Noah Kahan). All three categories went to other artists, with Wilson taking home two of them. Following the ceremony, Ballerini shared a photo referencing the iconic 'And none for Gretchen Wieners' scene from Mean Girls, prompting mixed reactions online. Her boyfriend, actor Chase Stokes, also posted on Instagram calling her his 'Entertainer of the Year.' While some social media users criticized the posts as unprofessional, others defended Ballerini, citing her consistent talent and multiple award show snubs. My fingers slamming the like button on every tweet about Kelsea ballerini getting snubbed AGAIN. Girl had 2 back to back wildly successful albums (both with deluxe versions) & an arena tour. — just a girl💚🦋 (@courtlynn3695) May 9, 2025 isn't the first time Ballerini has lost out to Wilson—she also faced disappointment at the 2024 Grammy Awards in the Best Country Album category. Despite more than a dozen ACM nominations since 2015, she has not won since her early career breakthrough. Still, Ballerini emphasized that acknowledging loss and celebrating others can go hand in hand. 'Two things can be true,' she said in a past statement, highlighting the complexity of awards show emotions.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kelsea Ballerini Embraces Peekaboo Bra Layering Trend, Shaboozey Brings Country Flair in Custom Coach and More Looks at 2025 ACM Awards
A bevy of country music's stars hit the red carpet on Thursday for the 2025 ACM Awards in Frisco, Texas. The 60th annual Academy of Country Music Awards featured country core style, with contemporary spins on Western trends. Kelsea Ballerini did couple coords with her partner, Chase Stokes, and Lainey Wilson brought her signature country flair. Ahead, WWD breaks down more looks from the 2025 ACM Awards. More from WWD How to Watch the 2025 ACM Awards Red Carpet and Fashion Moments From Country Music's Biggest Stars Nicole Kidman Favors Edgy Flair, LeAnn Rimes Goes Sheer and More ACM Awards 2025 Red Carpet Arrivals Photos, Live Updates Tracee Ellis Ross Suits Up, Nia Long Does Colorblocking and More Style From the New York Times Well Festival 2025 Ballerini opted for a sequin gown with a flowing skirt by David Koma. Her dress also captured the peekaboo bra layering trend, contrasting black fabric with the beige hues of the dress. Stokes opted for all-black dressing to complement Ballerini's attire. Ballerini's look was curated by stylists Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn. Jelly Roll wore a black, country-style dress shirt with ornate embroidery at the collar and subtle lace detailing, evoking the quintessential cowboy looks of yore. Bunnie Xo favored black lace, wearing a long-sleeve dress with cutouts and a thigh-high slit. Shaboozey styled a custom look courtesy of Coach, featuring monochrome brown leathery trousers and a coordinated jacket. Reba McEntire brought a dose of sparkle. The venerated country singer and longtime host of the awards show styled a coordinated look with black skinny pants, jacket and shirt. The look included tons of sparkle for added flair and a statement belt. Mickey Guyton opted for an ornate dress. The singer styled a shimmering gold gown with geometric inspiration when it came to the patterning of the dress. Her look shimmered on the red carpet thanks to intricate beading throughout. Wilson elevated her signature country style in this design courtesy of Anamika Khanna. The look featured black trousers with a plunging black jacket and a flowing train. The bodice of the long-sleeve jacket with a plunging neckline featured encrusted jeweled elements throughout. Charlie Horse Hats designed Wilson's hat while her jewelry came courtesy of S. Carter Designs. Stylist Alexandra Mandelkorn curated her look. Rita Wilson also opted for a glimmering look. The actress wore a silver cocktail dress with short sleeves and a midi hemline and a slightly dropped waist. She paired the look with translucent and gem-encrusted heels. The 2025 ACM Awards were held on Thursday in Frisco, Texas, at the Ford Center at The Star. Reba McEntire served as the host for the evening. The awards show featured an opening with a 12-minute-long medley of past ACM Songs of the Year from over the course of six decades. View Gallery Launch Gallery: Nicole Kidman Favors Edgy Flair, LeAnn Rimes Goes Sheer and More ACM Awards 2025 Red Carpet Arrivals Photos, Live Updates Best of WWD Celebrities Wearing Zara: From Melania Trump's Controversial Coat to Kate Middleton's Blazer Collection [PHOTOS] The Stories Behind Audrey Hepburn's Wedding Dresses and What Happened to the Gown That Never Made It Down the Aisle La La Anthony's Style Through the Years: Met Gala Looks, MTV Days and More Photos
Newsweek
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Kelsea Ballerini Snubbed at ACM Awards
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Kelsea Ballerini didn't win any of the awards she was nominated for at the Academy of Country Music Awards (ACMs)—sparking outrage from her fans. Newsweek reached out to Ballerini's representative via email for comment on Friday. The Context The 60th Academy of Country Music Awards took place on Thursday, May 8, at The Star in Frisco, Texas. It was a star-studded affair, with celebrities posing on the red carpet including: Ballerini and boyfriend Chase Stokes, Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman, Shaboozey, Reba McEntire and Rex Linn, LeAnn Rimes and Eddie Cibrian, Mickey Guyton, Wynonna Judd, Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO, Rita Wilson. Ballerini rose to fame in 2015 following the release of her debut album The First Time, which featured her hit single Love Me Like You Mean It." The Tennessee native began writing songs at the age of 13 as a way to cope with her parents' divorce, and moved to Nashville when she was 15 years old. Her past accolades include several ACM and CMA awards, as well as multiple Grammy nominations. In 2014, she was recognized as one of Country Music Television's "Next Women of Country." The Voice judge recently wrapped up her Kelsea Ballerini Live tour. Kelsea Ballerini attends the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards at The Star in Frisco on May 8, 2025 in Frisco, Texas. Kelsea Ballerini attends the 60th Academy of Country Music Awards at The Star in Frisco on May 8, 2025 in Frisco, ACM What to Know Ballerini was nominated several ACM awards this year: Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year and Music Event of the Year (as one of three producers on "Cowboys Cry Too"). She didn't win in any category. The 31-year-old has been nominated for Female Artist of the Year eight times but has never won. She lost to Lainey Wilson and Miranda Lambert three times each and Maren Morris twice. Wilson took home the 2025 trophies for both Female Artist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year. Ballerini appeared to react to her snubs by posting a Mean Girls meme to her Instagram Stories: "And.. none for Gretchen Weiners," it read. What People Are Saying Following the awards ceremony, many of Ballerini's fans took to X, formerly Twitter, to share their disappointment over her losses. @itsxoocarrie wrote: "after showering kelsea with sooo much media attention, after putting her in the front, she gets robbed again... disappointed but unfortunately not surprised she's our entertainer & female artist of the year, no matter what they say #ACMawards." @maryshea_ said: "I don't give a flying f what the ACMs say Kelsea Ballerini is the 2025 entertainer of the year. Period." @amandathecow added: "Not Kelsea Ballerini getting snubbed by country music year after wrote the best 2 albums of her career then followed it up with an arena tour. What else does she have to do to get some recognition?!" @AwkwardPancake shared: "Watching the ACMs is annoying because I don't like watching Lainey Wilson win everything. Give Kelsea Ballerini her rightful awards." @NatashaGee10 chimed in: "Kelsea Ballerini cannot catch a break when it comes to awards. I mean what more does it take?! I truly do not get how she has not won anything! #ACMawards." @swiftballerinis posted: "OK, but like what is the real definition of entertainer of the year because i always thought it was like the artist that puts on the best performance because isn't that what an entertainer does entertain? in that case it should be kelsea ballerini." @kalob_3x89 said: "KELSEA BALLERINI HAD ONE OF THE BEST YEARS OF ALL TIME. WAKE THE HELL UP. ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR FOR SOMEONE WHO IS STILL AN OPENER CMON NOW. GET IT TOGETHER @ACMawards." @LizzieElise wrote: "what is it going to take to get kelsea ballerini an acm award for female artist of the year because it's long overdue at this point." @Alyssakrink posted: "can we all sue the academy? bc why are we snubbing artists, SPECIFICALLY kelsea ballerini, from winning awards that they so rightfully deserve? it's the SAME PEOPLE every year, SPECIFICALLY lainey wilson. GIVE THE AWARDS TO SOMEONE ELSE. #ACMawards" @aalondra_as shared: "Many know her as Kelsea ballerini but to me it's ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR." What Happens Next A date for the ACM Awards 2026 is yet to be announced.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kelsea Ballerini Reveals What Exactly Her ACM Awards Performance Will Entail
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Receiving four nods — nominated for Entertainer of the Year, Female Artist of the Year and Musical Event of the Year for "Cowboys Cry Too" (featuring Noah Kahan) as an artist AND a producer — at the 60th annual Academy of Country Music Awards, Kelsea Ballerini is gearing up for one of the biggest nights of her country music career thus far. Ahead of the ACM Awards — which will take place at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas tomorrow (May 8) — Ballerini stopped by media row to tease what we can expect from her. While speaking with Country Now, she delved into the details of her soon-to-be spectacular red carpet look, as well as what fans will see when she takes the stage, joining the prestigious list of performers at the 2025 ACM Awards: Eric Church, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Chris Stapleton, Blake Shelton, Zach Top, Lainey Wilson and more. As far as her red carpet look goes, Ballerini teased, "This is, as an artist, my biggest ACMs that I've gotten to attend, and so I wanted to find a carpet outfit that felt kinda timeless and classic, so that I could always look back at these photos and this night and feel good about it." While we don't know what her dress will look like exactly, we are hopeful that she will have her go-to accessory by her side: her boyfriend, Outer Banks and Uglies star Chase Stokes. Now, as far as her performance goes, the Tennessee native revealed that she will be performing "Baggage," a fan-favorite tune from her fifth studio album: PATTERNS. For those who need a refresher, the 31-year-old has had a whirlwind of success in the country music scene ever since her oh-so public split from fellow country star Morgan Evans. The beginning of said success stemmed from her 2023 EP titled Rolling Up The Welcome Mat, covering the gut-wrenching heartbreak that stemmed from her divorce. To follow, the talented singer/songwriter put out her her 2024 album titled PATTERNS — which featured smash hits like "Baggage,""Sorry Mom,""Cowboys Cry Too" (featuring Noah Kahan) and more — covering the healing and overall happiness that came afterwards instead. 'I'm excited. I mean, this is our first big performance of it — other than being on tour — and it just feels like a performance that I can show up, being nominated for Entertainer of the Year, and feel like I'm delivering something that is maybe worthy of that nomination,' she spilled. Nevertheless, to see Ballerini take the stage to perform "Baggage," tune into the the 2025 ACM Awards tomorrow at 8pm ET/5pm PT via Prime Video, as well as the Amazon Music channel via Twitch. With Reba McEntire hosting the show for 18th time — making history as the longest-running host in ACM history — it is sure to be an evening to remember!
