BREAKING: CMT Awards Co-Host Kelsea Ballerini Tests Positive for COVID, Issues Statement: ‘I’m Gutted’
Kelsea Ballerini has been diagnosed with COVID and will no longer appear in-person at the 2022 CMT Music Awards. The…
Kelsea Ballerini; Photos via Instagram
Kelsea Ballerini has been diagnosed with COVID and will no longer appear in-person at the 2022 CMT Music Awards.
The news was revealed on social media by Ballerini just hours ahead of the show, which she is set to co-host with Anthony Mackie.
“Alright friends, I have some bad news and I have some good news,” the 28-year-old began. “A couple days ago, I tested positive for COVID and the CMT Awards are tonight, so, unfortunately, I cannot be there anymore in person and I am devastated.”
Trying to look on the bright side, Ballerini revealed that she will still co-host the show from home.
“I’m gutted, but the good news is that I’m feeling a lot better, a lot better and the incredible CMT family and my team have brought part of the CMT set to my house to my little bubble and set it up so I can host and perform,” the “Heartfirst” singer revealed. “It is certainly not what I expected or planned for but we are doing our damn best. So, I will still see you tonight on the awards and let’s make some lemonade together out of these very bitter lemons. Yeah, guys, I’m so sorry, but have so much fun for me if you’re going to the show and if you’re watching on TV, I will see you there.”
The 2022 CMT Music Awards will broadcast LIVE from Nashville on Monday, April 11th (8:00-11:00 PM LIVE ET/delayed PT) on the CBS Television Network and is available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+*.
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
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