Kelsea Ballerini Sparkles During Performance at 2017 Nashville Symphony Fashion Show

Working her sparkly magic as the musical guest for the night, Ballerini stunned in a special Zac Posen number with a periwinkle-meets-cornflower blue hue that made her feel like the belle of the ball.

Written by Kelly Brickey
Kelsea Ballerini Sparkles During Performance at 2017 Nashville Symphony Fashion Show
Kelsea Ballerini and Zac Posen; Photo credit: Alan Poizner

It took just a little faith, trust and pixie dust (well, and a beautiful dress) to help Kelsea Ballerini shine bright while commanding the stage at the 2017 Nashville Symphony Fashion Show.

Working her sparkly magic as the musical guest for the night, Ballerini stunned in a special Zac Posen number with a periwinkle-meets-cornflower blue hue that made her feel like the belle of the ball. Performing a couple of her massive hits for the fashionable crowd including fellow artist and friend Thomas Rhett, the country star let her personality look pretty with a little joke about her ravishing ensemble.

“Y’all, I feel like it’s a sin playing my guitar for that song and covering up this dress that’s worth more than my car,” she admitted graciously in her gorgeous gown.

Ballerini even created an delightful sigh from the crowd by performing an old country hit, “Make the World Go Away,” which has been previously covered by anyone from Eddy Arnold to Elvis Presley to Donny and Marie Osmond. Taking heart to the luxurious gala with an audience full of class, Ballerini made sure to pay tribute to the times of the past.

“I’m so honored to be here honoring fashion and music and art in such a classic, beautiful venue. I thought because we are in such a classic place, I would play you one of my favorite classic country songs,” she said before crooning the doting audience with her vocals.

Playing along with the fairytale, Ballerini finished the night with a whimsical rendition of her song, “Peter Pan,” and thanked Posen for being her fashion fairy godfather for granting her the wish to don such a fantastical frock.

“I have never felt like a dress has matched a song as well as this dress matches this next song,” Ballerini told the crowd. “So Zac Posen, thank you so much for making me feel like a fairy. Y’all, this is our last song. This is a song that changed my life. Thank you one more time for having me tonight.”

The Nashville Symphony Fashion Show highlighted Posen, an iconic high-end designer known for his quirky twists on feminine silhouettes, by showcasing his recent line of designs. Jewel tones ranging from plum to pretty peony flooded the runway, with show-stopping satin mermaid gowns and sheer floral skirts making all in attendance gasp at the spring beauties.

Posen ended the show with his strongest piece of the night—an iridescent nude and light navy blue number with muted floral embroidery flowing down the extravagantly detailed side ruffles skirting the ground like that of walking on a cloud.

Proceeds from the 2017 Nashville Symphony Fashion Show will benefit the Symphony Center as well as music education programs in the city.