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Kelsea Ballerini offered glimpses of her boyfriend, Outer Banks star Chase Stokes, in the stunning music video that premiered on Wednesday afternoon (October 16).
Earlier in the day, Ballerini released “First Rodeo,” a ballad she wrote with Alysa Vanderheym, Hillary Lindsey, Jessie Jo Dillon and Little Big Town's Karen Fairchild. The P. Tracy-directed music video captures a breathtaking sunset on the beach (matching the album covers of Ballerini’s upcoming project), a spinning carousel, and glimpses of Ballerini with Stokes after she leaps into his arms by the shore.
Ballerini said on Wednesday evening that the love song is “all about embracing fragility, hope, and getting back on the horse.” She also spotlighted “the handsome human who inspired the song and made me love sunsets again. 🥹🤍”
Ballerini and Stokes began talking in December 2022. They first sparked dating rumors the following month when she appeared in a photo he posted on Instagram, and she confirmed the budding romance in an interview in February 2023. When they celebrated their one-year anniversary earlier this year, Ballerini thanked Stokes “for making me write love songs 🤍,” as she worked on her fifth studio record.
“First Rodeo” is the final song Ballerini will release before her fifth studio album, Patterns, makes its debut on October 25. So far, Ballerini has also shared “Cowboys Cry Too” with Noah Kahan, “Sorry Mom” and “Two Things,” and offered sneak peeks of a few of the unreleased tracks.
iHeartRadio is holding a contest to attend Ballerini’s sold-out album release show at Madison Square Garden in New York City, and catch up with Ballerini in a backstage meet and greet. The lineup also includes Aly & AJ and Tigirlily Gold. To enter to win, head over to the free iHeartRadio app, or click HERE for more info.
“The whole time I was making this album, I was visualizing and dreamscaping ways to bring it to life for our live show, and it was something I couldn't wait more than five days after its release to do,” Ballerini said in a statement. “When good things happen, when new chapters begin, you want to share them with your people. This time around, it just so happens to be in a bucket list venue in the heart of a city that is landmarked heavily in the music and visuals of PATTERNS. I'm so giddy to be celebrating this album release at Madison Square Garden...see you in New York City!”