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Kelsea Ballerini is about to turn 30, and celebrations are already underway.
The “HEARTFIRST” artist referenced the lyrics to one of the biggest songs from her latest full-length album, Subject To Change, as she posted stunning photos from her 30th birthday celebration with friends. The post comes shortly before Ballerini’s birthday on Tuesday (September 12), when she’s set to make her debut at the 2023 MTV VMAs: “THIRTY to life would go quicker with them” — a nod to”If You Go Down (I’m Goin’ Down Too)” — “now let’s *officially* bring in this next decade on tuesday at the VMA’s shall we?!”
Ballerini’s post quickly garnered happy birthday wishes from fellow country stars and other celebs, including Elle King, Ingrid Andress, Lindsay Ell, Tigirlily Gold, Reese Witherspoon, Tan France and others. She posted a few more photos on Monday (September 11), celebrating “birthday week” in New York.
Ballerini released 15-track Subject To Change last September, with the title track, “The Little Things,” “Doin’ My Best,” “You’re Drunk, Go Home” (with Carly Pearce and Kelly Clarkson), and other highlights. Months later, she surprised fans with a deeply personal, 6-track EP and accompanying short film, Rolling Up The Welcome Mat, sharing her side of the story from her divorce after nearly five years of marriage. Last month, Ballerini re-released the EP with a few updates to previously-released songs and a seventh track, reflecting fan-favorite lyric changes during live shows and sharing what it was like to start dating again after divorce (Ballerini has been dating Outer Banks star Chase Stokes after sliding into his DMs in December).
Other artists set to perform at this year’s VMAs include Doja Cat, Anitta, Lil Wayne, Demi Lovato and more. The show is set to air live at 8 p.m. on September 12.