Describing Kelsea Ballerini’s headlining show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena Friday night (January 31) feels like capturing a dream – one of those rare, magical moments in country music history that leaves an indelible mark on everyone present.
The atmosphere was electric as 20,000 fans sang along to every word of her performance, creating an unforgettable experience. The arena buzzed with anticipation, and the energy was palpable from the moment the lights dimmed to the final encore.
This stop on Ballerini’s 2025 tour was extra special – a homecoming for the star who moved from Knoxville to Nashville sixteen years ago. It marked her first hometown headlining show in nearly seven years, and the significance of the moment wasn’t lost on anyone in attendance. The emotional weight of returning to perform in the city that helped shape her career was evident in every aspect of the show.
“I could tell you this night started when I released ‘Love Me Like You Mean It,’ or when I moved to Nashville, or even when I wrote my first song at 12. But what matters is we’re here, at a sold-out Bridgestone Arena,” Ballerini shared with the crowd, her voice carrying both pride and gratitude as she addressed her devoted fans.
She revealed a promise she made in 2018 after headlining the Ryman: “I wouldn’t do another Nashville headlining show until I could sell out Bridgestone Arena. And I kept my word.” The declaration was met with thunderous applause, acknowledging the artist’s unwavering determination and dedication to her craft.
The show was a beautiful journey through her career, featuring songs from her 2024 album PATTERNS to her debut single, proving her evolution as a country-pop superstar. Each song showcased her growth as both a vocalist and performer, demonstrating how far she’s come from her early days in Music City.
The ninety-minute spectacle was filled with special moments – from customized luggage tags to wardrobe mishaps, fan interactions, and powerful performances of ‘IF YOU GO DOWN (I’M GOING DOWN TOO),’ ‘Beg For Your Love,’ and ‘Blindsided.’ Every detail was carefully curated to create an immersive experience that celebrated both her artistry and her connection with fans.
True to Nashville’s spirit, Ballerini had a special surprise waiting, building anticipation throughout the evening for what would become one of the night’s most memorable moments.
“I planned on keeping the same setlist for the east coast tour, but each city has given me a reason to change it,” she shared, before revealing how a MySpace discovery changed her life’s direction. The admission offered a glimpse into the authentic, relatable personality that has endeared her to fans worldwide.
“I heard ‘Stupid Boy’ by Keith Urban when I was about 12. Something about that song made me realize – this is what I want to do. I want to be a songwriter.” She added, “One of my first times in this venue was opening for Keith, so I thought it’d be special to perform that song.” The personal anecdote resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom had followed her journey from the beginning.
When Urban appeared with his guitar, the crowd erupted in a deafening roar that seemed to shake the arena’s foundation. Together, they delivered a harmonious rendition of his 2006 “Stupid Boy” hit, their voices perfectly complementing each other in a performance that embodied the collaborative spirit of country music.
Before the show, Ballerini had shared a 2013 Instagram post where she’d watched crews break down the stage, promising herself she’d headline there someday. The post served as a powerful reminder of her journey and the dreams that drove her forward.
“Tonight feels like my ‘ten year town’ story,” she wrote. “But it’s also my 31 year story.” The sentiment captured both the immediate triumph of the moment and the lifetime of work that led to it.
Whether ten or 31 years in the making, this Nashville show will remain timeless for the 20,000 fans who witnessed it, each carrying home a piece of music history and the memory of a night when dreams became reality.
Back in the same year as her last Nashville headlining show, Ballerini had celebrated her fourth No. 1 with ‘Legends,’ a song about honoring past relationships – a fitting reminder of how far she’s come and the legacy she continues to build.
ACT I
- Patterns (Lyrics) – Opening with her latest album’s title track, setting the tone for the evening
- Baggage – A raw exploration of emotional weight and personal growth
- Love Me Like You Mean It (Lyrics) – Her breakthrough debut single that started it all
- HEARTFIRST – An upbeat anthem celebrating spontaneous romance
- This Time Last Year – A reflective piece on personal transformation
- IF YOU GO DOWN – Her viral hit about unwavering loyalty
- hole in the bottle – A playful country-pop crowd favorite
Act II
- First Rodeo (Lyrics) – A nostalgic journey through new beginnings
- Blindsided – An emotional powerhouse performance
- Miss Me More – Her empowering self-discovery anthem
- We Broke Up – A candid look at relationship endings
- Two Things (Lyrics) – An intimate acoustic moment
- Mountain With A View – A vulnerable ballad of resilience
- Interlude – A breathtaking instrumental transition
- WAIT! (Lyrics) – An energetic mid-show highlight
Act III
- Cowboys Cry Too (Lyrics) – Breaking down stereotypes with grace
- Stupid Boy with Keith Urban – The surprise duet of the evening
- Beg For Your Love – A soulful plea that captivated the arena
- Peter Pan – Her classic hit reimagined
- MUSCLE MEMORY – A dynamic showcase of vocal prowess
- I Would, Would You / Lean On Me (Cover) – A touching tribute
- How Do I Do This? – A vulnerable moment of connection
Encore
- Penthouse
