Kelsea Ballerini performs with drag queens at CMT Music Awards days after Tennessee blocks law restricting drag shows-Rishma Dosani-Entertainment – Metro

Fans have heaped praise on Kelsea Ballerini for her iconic performance at the CMT Music Awards on Sunday night, beside some incredible drag queens.

Republican lawmakers have attempted to clamp down on drag performances across the US in recent weeks, leading to widespread outrage.

RuPaul described those leading the charge as ‘bullies’ in a powerful message, calling on fans to register to vote ‘so we can get these stunt queens out of office’.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee recently made headlines when he signed legislation that essentially criminalized drag performances in the state – which has temporarily been blocked amid a lawsuit.

Seemingly in response to the news, country musician Kelsea took to the stage in Austin, Texas, to perform with Kennedy Davenport, Jan Sport, Manila Luzon and Olivia Lux in front of a star-studded crowd.

The Tennessee native was joined by the queens for a stunning performance of her 2022 banger, If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too).

Kelsea Ballerini performed at the CMT Music Awards on Sunday night (Picture: Getty)

She was joined on stage by Manila Luzon, Jan Sport, Olivia Lux and Kennedy Davenport (Picture: Getty)

Viewers watching on from home were living for the scenes, and flocked to social media to praise the singer for her support on such a huge platform.

‘Kelsea Ballerini making a point to speak out about gun violence in schools and then going on to perform with drag queens at the CMT awards she’s hosting, we love to see someone actually use their platform for good,’ one said.

‘This is an INSANE display of allyship on such a large scale. Thank you so much @KelseaBallerini & @CMT for showing drag queens are not the issue,’ another agreed.

A follower said: ‘Legendary middle finger from  @KelseaBallerini to all the haters. Getting on that stage with drag queens next to her at the #CMTAwards is absolutely iconic.’

Fans were quick to praise the iconic performance (Picture: Getty)

‘.@KelseaBallerini calling for real action to prevent gun violence AND performing with drag queens at the #CMTAwards?! We STAN,’ a Twitter user penned.

As a commenter added: ‘I’m so freaking proud of you. This performance was everything and thank you for always being so inclusive of everyone.’

Earlier in the night, Kelsea opened the ceremony by paying tribute to those who had lost their lives in the Nashville shooting last week, dedicating the show to the victims.

‘On March 27, 2023, three nine-year-olds – Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney and Hallie Scruggs, along with Katherine Koonce, Cynthia Peak and Mike Hill walked into the Covenant School and didn’t walk out,’ she began.

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‘The community of sorrow over this, and the 130 mass shootings in the US this year alone, stretches from coast to coast.’

‘Tonight’s broadcast is dedicated to the ever-growing list of families, friends, survivors, witnesses and responders whose lives continue to forever be changed by gun violence.

‘I pray, deeply, that the closeness and the community we feel for the next few hours through of music can soon turn into action – real action – that moves us forward together to create change for the safety of our kids and our loved ones.’

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