CMT Music Awards 2024: Kelsea Ballerini jokes about she 'slid into boyfriend ... trends now

Kelsea Ballerini joked about how she 'slid into boyfriend Chase Stokes' DMs' during a humorous 'mindreading' skit to kick off the 2024 CMT Music Awards in Austin on Sunday. 

The Miss Me More songstress, 30 - who took on hosting duties during the star-studded festivities - also involved other celebrities during the opener, such as Keith Urban and Jelly Roll. 

Shortly before the ceremony, the singer and Outer Banks actor, 31 - who were confirmed to be dating in February 2023 - notably shared a passionate kiss while walking the red carpet at the Moody Center. 

Ballerini took to the stage wearing a dazzling, sheer dress that offered a sultry flare as well as a sparkling, closed-toed pumps. 

She explained to the crowd, 'You know, sometimes the camera just lands on you and people misinterpret your reactions. Trust me - you may think you know what's going on in our heads, but really you don't.' 

'So, right now, we're gonna find out what the stars in our audience are really thinking. That's right - we're reading minds in here.' 

Kelsea then first directed the attention to fellow country artist and nominee, Lainey Wilson. 

Suddenly, a voiceover by Wilson could be heard inside the venue, which said: 'She's not reading my thoughts right now, is she? Mic check, mic check. Uh-oh!' 

Ballerini then told the live audience, 'See? I told you! It works! The lovely Carly Pearce is here!' 

The singer could be seen sitting next to Trisha Yearwood and Carly's thoughts sounded throughout the arena: 'Oh my gosh! It's Trisha Yearwood!' 

Yearwood's mind could also be heard and she humorously said: 'Oh my gosh! I'm Trisha Yearwood?' 

Jelly Roll was the next celebrity to have his thoughts revealed, and he humorously could be heard thinking: 'Listen, nobody knows this, but my real name is actually... Angelo Rollingsworth.' 

Kelsea then brought the focus to her boyfriend, and said, 'And, would you look at that! We've got Chase Stokes from Outer Banks in the house! Who wouldn't want to read their boyfriend's mind?'

The actor - who was sitting behind her during the skit - held a worried look on his face. 'First she slides in my DMs and now she's in my thoughts. Oh, are you thinking what I'm thinking? Oh, God!' 

'Will circle back. And, hey, look! Keith Urban is here!' Ballerini continued. The camera jumped to the singer who briefly held a shocked looked on his face. 

'I was told I would be next to Jelly Roll. I am not happy,' his thoughts said. However, the camera panned back to show that he was next to Buc-ee. 'Actually, I am happy. What up, Buc-ee?' 

Urban - who was not accompanied by wife Nicole Kidman at the event - flashed a smile and excitedly hugged the mascot from the famous country store and gas station chain. 

'Everyone loves Buc-ee's, am I right?' Kelsea asked the crowd and then revealed her own thoughts. 

'Right now I can tell you what I'm thinking, and that's that I can't wait to hear all the music and find out all the winners. So, y'all, let's get it going!' 

Moments before the fun opener to start the ceremony, Ballerini was seen strutting onto the spacious stage while holding a microphone in her hand. 

The audience jumped to their feet to cheer on the songstress, including Chase who could be seen holding a bright smile on his face while supporting his girlfriend as she took on hosting duties.