Singer Kelsea Ballerini made a bold statement at the 2023 CMT Music Awards.
Ballerini, who was the co-host for Sunday night’s award show, featured drag queens as backup dancers in her ’60s-themed performance for her hit song “If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too).”
The song ended with multi-colored confetti appearing on the screen in the background.
Following the show, Entertainment Tonight (ET) spoke to the drag queens who took part in the performance.
“Just like all these amazing country music artists, we drag queens are also artists. And we deserve a space to be ourselves, express ourselves, and create something wonderful for everyone to enjoy,” Manila Luzon said.
Jan Sport said that it meant a lot to be able to perform with Ballerini.
“Because any opportunity for us to share our gifts with the world is a blessing. So, it’s more of us having a message to bless other people,” Sport added.
Continuing, Sport said, “It’s not bad. It’s all good. It’s all love.”
“It’s all total liberation — that’s what the arts are all about,” Sport concluded.
Olivia Lux revealed Ballerini emphasized before the show that it was their time to shine.
“Kelsea made it really clear in the rehearsal room… she was like take up that space, you know, this is your time as well, and amplify the fact that you’re here,” Lux shared.
Lux also revealed what the song meant to them.
“Even the song, “If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too)” — it is about the celebration of being a community. And I think that’s what we did on the stage tonight. And I really hope that transcended some people as well,” Lux explained.
Lux added, “It felt like it did.”
Ballerini also shared her thoughts, saying, “I love performance and I love self-expression and I love inclusivity.”
The controversial performance came after Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee (R) signed a bill into law on March 1, which bans an “adult cabaret performance” in public or in a location where minors are present. Violation of this law could lead to criminal charges. The law will take effect on July 1.
