Kelsea Ballerini took a break from her hosting duties to deliver a stunning performance of “Love Me Like You Mean It (Reimagined)” at the 2024 CMT Music Awards. On Sunday evening (April 7), the country superstar brought her powerhouse vocals to Downtown Austin for her unforgettable performance.
Donning a sparkling gold long sleeve bodysuit and pantyhose, Ballerini dazzled and put her smooth vocals on full display with the reimagined rendition of her debut single.
Ballerini debuted the reimagined version of “Love Me Like You Mean It” on Friday, April 5, via Black River Entertainment. The song comes in celebration of the 10-year anniversary of the song, which served as her debut single.
“I can’t believe it’s been ten years since ‘Love Me Like You Mean It.’ To say that song changed my life is a massive understatement. It’s a part of who I am and the beginning of my journey as an artist,” Ballerini shared at the time of the rediscovered song’s release. “To celebrate its 10th birthday by sharing this Reimagined Version with my fans feels full circle and is the perfect palate cleanser before new music. I hope everyone loves this, dare I say ‘grown up’ version, as much as I do!”
2024 CMT Music Awards
The 2024 CMT Music Awards also featured performances by Jelly Roll, Bailey Zimmerman, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, Sam Hunt, Cody Johnson, Dasha, Jason Aldean, Kelsea Ballerini, Megan Moroney, Trisha Yearwood and more.
The fan-voted awards show included a star-studded list of one-of-a-kind collaborations and memorable moments. Parker McCollum teamed up with Brittney Spencer to perform “Burn It Down,” while Old Dominion and Megan Moroney joined forces to deliver a performance of their fan-favorite duet, “Can’t Break Up Now.”
Meanwhile, NEEDTOBREATHE and Jordan Davis gave fans a taste of what’s to come on their episode of CMT Crossroads and Sugarland reunited to premiere a brand-new collaboration with Little Big Town, marking the duo’s return to the CMT Music Awards and their first time performing together on the show since 2011.
The three-hour broadcast also honored late country music icon, Toby Keith, with an emotional tribute performance from Brooks & Dunn, Lainey Wilson, Sammy Hagar, all backed by Toby Keith’s longtime band. Lukas Nelson and Rogers Clemens also made special appearances during the tribute.
Jelly Roll, Megan Moroney, Amber Riley, Billy Bob Thornton (Landman), Carly Pearce, Cody Alan, Cody Johnson, Emily Osment (Young Sheldon), Emma Roberts, Gayle King (CBS Mornings), James Van Der Beek, Jane Seymour, Jelly Roll, Max Theriot (Fire Country), Melissa Etheridge, Mickey Guyton, Minnie Driver, Montana Jordan (Young Sheldon), Parmalee and Paul Walter Hauser served as presenters during the coveted awards show.
Hosted by Kelsea Ballerini, the 2024 CMT Music Awards aired live from the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, April 7 at 8/7c on CBS. The show is also available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
