After Tennessee, Ballerini's state, passed legislation banning drag shows, the performance is now.

Kelsea Ballerini made a statement at the CMT Music Awards supporting drag.

During her performance of "If you go down (I'm going down too)" at Sunday's Austin show, Ballerini was supported by a group of "RuPaul’s Drag Race" alumni.

Kennedy Davenport and Oliva Lux joined Ballerini as backup dancers, along with Manila Luzon, Jan Sport, Jan Sport, and Oliva Luzon. This performance is a result of Ballerini's Tennessee state being the first to pass a law banning drag performances in public spaces. However, a federal judge temporarily blocked it from going into effect on Firday.

Similar legislation is being developed in other states, including Texas where the CMTs were held.

Two of my favourite things are @KelseaBallerini and #DragRace alum
@TheOliviaLux, @kennedydoftx and @janjanjanjan performed "IF YOU GO DOWN" at the #CMTAwards. pic.twitter.com/nIBBho1T4S

-- MTV (@MTV), April 3, 2023

Anthony Allen Ramos, Vice President of GLAAD, released a statement to ET praising Ballerini's inclusion.

"As LGBTQ rights in Texas, Tennessee and other Southern states are being challenged, Kelsea Balerini took to country music's most prestigious stages to show bold allyship, proudly featuring beloved and talented drag artists. Ramos stated that Kelsea's performance in the CMT Music Awards reaffirmed that drag isn't a threat. It's an art form.

"New legislation that attempts to silence drag performers from some Southern states is both unpopular and unnecessary. "The CMT Music Awards featured Lily Rose as out singer, Cody Alan as out red carpet host, and Shania Twain, legendary ally, called for country music's inclusion in her remarks." The statement continued. "Country music stars use their platforms to support the LGBTQ community, and the industry is becoming more welcoming for LGBTQ talent and fans. CMT's inclusion should be a model for other country music artists, concerts, or events.

ET also heard from the queens who were part of the performance, and they too praised Ballerini for her inclusivity.

Drag queens, like country music's great artists, are artists too. Manila Luzon shared that we all deserve to be ourselves and express our creativity, so everyone can enjoy it."

"Kelsea made it very clear in the rehearsal area and took even right before the stage that she was saying, 'Take over that space, you knows, this is your turn as well and amplify the fact that you are here,'" Olivia Lux added. "Even the song, If you're going to down, I'm also going down -- it's about celebrating being part of a community. That's what I believe we did tonight on the stage. It was a great feeling. It felt as if it did.

Jan Sport said that it was a great honor to be on the same stage as Ballerini.

"Any chance for us to share with the world our gifts is a blessing." Sport said that it is more about us sharing our blessings with others. It's not terrible. It's all good. It's all about love. It's all about total freedom -- that's why the arts exist."

Kelsea Ballerini's statement was brief and sweet. The country singer said that she loves performance, self-expression, and inclusion.

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Title: Kelsea Ballerini Praised for Featuring Drag Queens In 'Inclusive' CMT Performance
Sourced From: www.toofab.com/2023/04/03/kelsea-ballerini-drag-queens-cmt-performance/
Published Date: Mon, 03 Apr 2023 17:58:11 +0000

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