Grammy Hairstyle Proves Painfully Glamorous for Country Star
Country music sensation Kelsea Ballerini has disclosed that her striking updo at Sunday night's Grammy Awards ceremony was so intensely tight that it necessitated taking ibuprofen to manage the discomfort. The 32-year-old singer, known for hits like "I Sit In Parks" and "Patterns," openly discussed the physical toll of her red carpet preparation in a candid interview with Cosmopolitan magazine this Tuesday.
Celebrity Stylist Creates Structural Masterpiece
For the prestigious music industry event, Ballerini enlisted the expertise of renowned celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton, whose impressive client roster includes global icons such as Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, Martha Stewart, and Drew Barrymore. The 42-year-old English stylist crafted a sculptural hairstyle that pulled Ballerini's hair dramatically away from her face, creating a sleek, elevated look.
"I did indeed have to take Advil for my head because it was a SNATCH!" Ballerini confessed humorously to the publication, using contemporary slang to emphasize the hairstyle's intense pull. "Chris and I wanted the hair back and up to showcase the dress's high neck and low back, but wanted something structural to keep the look feeling young with a little edge."
Fashion-Inspired Design and Makeup Magic
Appleton later revealed on his Instagram platform that the intricate hairstyle drew direct inspiration from "the pattern" of Ballerini's custom ETRO halter gown. The stunning dress was selected by the singer's styling team, the acclaimed duo Rob Zangardi and Mariel Haenn, known for dressing numerous A-list celebrities.
Make-up artist Kelsey Deenihan complemented the dramatic hairstyle with a fully contoured complexion using CoverGirl cosmetics. The tight updo effectively created a makeshift facelift effect, further accentuating the singer's facial features and creating a polished, elegant appearance for the awards ceremony.
Grammy Night Outcomes and Personal Reflections
Despite the physical discomfort, Ballerini maintained her gracious composure throughout the evening. Although her album "Patterns" lost the award for best contemporary country album to fellow artist Jelly Roll, the two musicians shared a cordial photograph inside downtown Los Angeles' Crypto.com Arena, demonstrating professional respect and camaraderie.
"For my album Patterns to be nominated for best contemporary country album, the first year the Recording Academy created the category, feels like a win within itself," Ballerini reflected positively. "I wrote this album with four women who are my friends, peers and heroes. That's the award."
Changing Companions and Relationship Status
In a departure from previous years, Ballerini chose not to attend with her on-again boyfriend, Outer Banks actor Chase Stokes. Instead, she brought her "work wife" and producing partner Alysa Vanderheym as her companion for the prestigious event.
"Sharing this night with my producing partner and dear friend Alysa was everything," Ballerini gushed warmly. "Doesn't she look gorgeous?"
The Tennessee native and Stokes, who share matching Virgo tattoos, originally connected virtually in December 2022, shortly after Ballerini finalized her divorce from Australian country singer Morgan Evans following their four-year marriage. The couple recently confirmed they have rekindled their on-again, off-again romance, with Stokes expressing his commitment to "taking accountability" and appreciating "the most beautiful things in life that are fleeting."
Ballerini offered further insight into their relationship dynamic during an interview with Entertainment Tonight on Sunday, stating: "I feel like outwardly, it looked a lot more dramatic than it was. And that was quite the learning lesson for us. But I love him so much. We've been together for quite a while now and done a lot of life together and he was with me getting ready today and he'll be with me when we wrap. I love love and I believe in it."
