Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes Split for Good After Rocky Romance
#kelsea_ballerini #chase_stokes #celebrity_relationships #breakup #entertainment
Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes Split for Good After Rocky Romance
In a twist that's sparking déjà vu across social media, country star **Kelsea Ballerini** and *Outer Banks* heartthrob **Chase Stokes** have ended their relationship for the third time, with sources insisting this breakup is permanent as of early February 2026. Just weeks after reconciling on New Year's Eve, the couple called it quits following a "rocky and toxic" phase that proved insurmountable despite multiple attempts to reignite the spark.
A Rollercoaster Timeline of Love and Heartbreak
Their story began romantically in January 2023 when Ballerini slid into Stokes' DMs, leading to a soft Instagram launch and red-carpet magic at events like the CMT Awards. Fans watched them navigate highs, including sweet date nights and public affection, post-Ballerini's divorce from Morgan Evans and Stokes' past with co-star Madelyn Cline. But troubles brewed: first split in September 2025, a brief Croatia reunion in November, cryptic "blocked" posts, and a hopeful NYE mend—only for Instagram unfollows to signal the end.
What's Next for the Exes?
While Stokes reportedly clings to hope, Ballerini, 32, is embracing single life gracefully, focusing on her music amid fan speculation. This closure ends a three-year saga of passion and patterns broken, leaving followers wondering if new chapters await these stars.
About the Organizations Mentioned
CMT Awards
The **CMT Music Awards** is a fan-voted awards show celebrating country music videos and television performances, representing a unique approach to honoring the genre's visual artistry.[3] Launched in 1967 as the Music City News Awards, it stands as the oldest award show currently operating under Paramount Global.[3] ## Historical Evolution The ceremony began as a print magazine initiative by *Music City News*, evolving significantly over decades. In 1988, The Nashville Network (TNN) introduced the Viewers' Choice Awards to commemorate its fifth anniversary.[3] By 1990, these two programs merged into the TNN/Music City News Country Awards.[3] When *Music City News* ceased publication in 1999, the show transitioned through various sponsors, including *Country Weekly*, before eventually becoming the CMT Music Awards under its current branding.[3] ## Distinctive Format and Content What sets the CMT Music Awards apart from competitors like the CMA Awards and ACM Awards is its fan-voting mechanism and focus on music videos rather than traditional award categories.[3] The show transformed into a production-based spectacle modeled after MTV's Video Music Awards, moving away from conventional award presentations.[3] Notably, the ceremony has showcased diverse country subgenres, featuring bluegrass performers such as Alison Krauss and Earl Scruggs.[3] ## Current Status The CMT Music Awards paused in 2025 after broadcasting on CBS from 2022 onwards, following years on CMT from 2001 to 2021.[3] The 2024 ceremony introduced the inaugural June Carter Cash Humanitarian Award, honoring Trisha Yearwood.[7] This addition reflects the awards' evolution toward recognizing broader contributions beyond musical performance. The CMT Music Awards remains significant within country music's award landscape, offering fans
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