Country singer and 2023 CMT Music Awards co-host Kelsea Ballerini was praised by GLAAD for displaying a “bold ally” after featuring several favorite drag performers from RuPaul’s “Drag Race” franchise during her musical performance at Sunday’s ceremony Has gone.
Ballerini, who performed “If You Go Down (I’m Going Down To)”, was joined on stage by Kennedy Davenport, Olivia Lux, Jen Sport and Manila Luzon.
“As LGBTQ rights are being questioned in Texas, Tennessee and several southern states, Kelsea Ballerini proudly took to one of country music’s biggest stages to display a bold collaboration featuring talented and beloved drag performers ,” Anthony Alan Ramos, GLAAD vice president of communications and talent, said in a statement. “Kelsea’s performance at the CMT Music Awards reinforces that drag isn’t a threat, it’s an art form. New legislation that seeks to silence drag artists in some Southern states is as unpopular as it is unnecessary.
In addition to Ballerini, singer Lily Rose, red carpet host Cody Allen and legendary collaborator Shania Twain called for country music to be “all inclusive” in their remarks at the CMT Music Awards.
“Country music stars are using their platforms to stand with the LGBTQ community and the industry is clearly growing as a welcoming space for LGBTQ fans and talent,” Ramos said. “Other country music stars, concerts and shows should look to CMT to join in and follow suit.”
Watch the full performance in the video above.
