The 2023 CMT Music Awards is one of the most highly-anticipated music awards shows of the year, especially for country music artists. It is one of the few high-profile gatherings of many artists, not just for the country music genre but in the music and entertainment industry in general.
Aired on CBS and Paramount+, the 2023 CMT Music Awards is broadcasted to thousands and millions of audiences in the United States, not to mention it is also available on the internet - which expands its reach three times more. It is undeniable that it has a huge reach, which is why Kelsea Ballerini's Drag Queen Performance yesterday received a lot of buzz in the media - both good and bad.
The topic of drag queens is especially sensitive right now in Republican states like Texas, where the 2023 CMT Music Awards were held.
Kelsea Ballerini Drag Queen Performance at the 2023 CMT Music Awards
Kelsea Ballerini, the host of the 2023 CMT Music Awards, took the stage last Apr. 2, 2023, at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, where she surprised millions with her invited guests.
Kelsea Ballerini's drag queen performance with selected drag queens from the Emmy-winning "RuPaul's Drag Race" was lauded by many because of its bold move to highlight the marginalized sector at this particular moment in time.
Republican congressmen and senators, both local and national, have urged the banning of drag show performances with minors, touted as a child-protection measure by conservative groups. Heightened debates and conversations nationally have exacerbated negative attention and harassment toward drag queens nationwide.
Performing "If You Go Down (I'm Goin' Down Too)," from her newest album, Kelsea Bellerini's drag queen Performance included Manila Luzon, Kennedy Davenport, Jan Sport, and Olivia Lux.
READ ALSO: 2023 CMT Awards FULL List of Winners - From Shania Twain to Zac Brown Band
Kelsea Ballerini Drag Queen Performance A 'Woke' Move?
The colorful Kelsea Ballerini drag queen performance trended online. While many seemed to appreciate it because of its bold move to perform at a country music awards show - where predominantly of its audiences, even artists, are conservative-leaning - many have egged on the drag queen performance, too.
In her Instagram account, angry netizens flood her recent post.
"I'll not watch this event again getting political and woke," a user commented.
"disappointing in so many ways, but especially when our city is hurting right now. know your audience and be more respectful," another pointed out.
"@cmt and @kelseaballerini this is not country music. This is a propaganda and narrative push. Many country artists are falling away from the roots of country music and its now evident that @cmt has too. This is sad shame and has solidified and drawn the line for many. This is not country music," someone shared.
Check out the full performance below:
