Melissa Etheridge and Kelsea Ballerini Perform “Come to My Window” at CMT Music Awards; Plus LGBTQ Stars Make their Mark At Country Music Award Show

Melissa Etheridge and Kelsea Ballerini Perform “Come to My Window” at CMT Music Awards; Plus LGBTQ Stars Make their Mark At Country Music Award Show

Final evening, April seventh, was the most important evening of the 12 months in nation music! The annual CMT Music Awards came about at Moody Heart in Austin, Texas. This annual ceremony honors and celebrates the most important stars in nation music and featured some very thrilling reside performances.

Hosted by musician and outspoken ally for the LGBTQ neighborhood, Kelsea Ballerini, this 12 months’s CMT Music Awards was among the many most inclusive to this point.

As an increasing number of LGBTQ artists are contributing to the style they’ve lengthy been excluded from, Kelsea Ballerini is amongst these serving to to battle that battle from the within. Whereas internet hosting, Ballerini gave a shout out to Luke Combs, who made waves final 12 months protecting the trailblazing Tracy Chapman’s Quick Automobile.

“I need in on a few of that motion,” Ballerini shared. “What enormous throwback hit could possibly be my factor? After which it got here to me…” The viewers went wild as Ballerini sang, acapella, the opening lyrics to Melissa Etheridge’s 90’s basic, Come to My Window.

Followers had been surprised when the icon joined her for the remainder of the track!

In response to the rising variety of anti-drag payments being launched in states throughout the US, eventually 12 months’s CMT Music Awards, Ballerini was joined by a gaggle of drag queens on stage to carry out “If You Go Down” together with her! Watch the efficiency under:

Kelsea Ballerini Performs “IF YOU GO DOWN (I'M GOIN' DOWN TOO)” | 2023 CMT Music Awards
Melissa Etheridge wasn’t the one LGBTQ artist celebrating nation music final evening, see extra under!

Lily Rose

Chris Housman

Cody Alan

Sam Williams

Cody Belew

Angie Okay

See a full checklist of the evening’s winners right here: www.cmt.com