Kelsea Ballerini -Patterns Live On Tour
There’s nothing quite like being right in the thick of it, and seeing Kelsea Ballerini live from the pit at Amalie Arena in Tampa was pure magic. From the first note, the energy shifted as the crowd surrounded me as I stood just a few feet away from the stage. Swept away by her magnetic presence, the venue came alive as the country-pop superstar kicked off her set. She opened with “Patterns.”
As she stepped into the spotlight, she dazzled in a glittering, sparkly dress that reflected the stage lights. Her voice was powerful and full of emotion, filling the arena—every note hitting you like an electric charge. The excitement was palpable. The crowd loudly sang along with every word as she transitioned into her hit “Baggage.” Ballerini effortlessly engaged with her passionate fans; everyone joined in with such intensity that it felt like one giant chorus. The energy was overwhelming as the crowd screamed the lyrics back to her—Kelsea couldn’t help but smile, completely immersed in the moment, swaying and dancing to the beat as the connection with her fans grew deeper with every note.
Between songs, her down-to-earth personality shined brightly, making everyone feel like they were part of something intimate and special as she stopped to read signs from her fans. One of them was even a surprise! In the audience just a few people ahead of me was “The Voice” contestant Angie Rey, who is a newly minted member of Team Kelsea on the singing competition show. She pulled her up on stage and invited her to sing with her!
Despite the large venue, she kept the energy high with sparkling outfits and playful choreography, making a completely sold-out show feel intimate. The lighting and visuals were perfectly in sync with the mood of each song, enhancing the entire show experience.
Adding a personal touch to the night, Kelsea’s boyfriend, Outer Banks actor Chase Stokes, was spotted in the crowd, watching her with a proud smile from both the sound booth and side stage towards the end of the show. He stood there, taking in every moment, his eyes never leaving her as she commanded the stage. Their chemistry was undeniable; you could tell he was completely captivated by her performance. It was a sweet and personal touch to an already thrilling evening.
Whether she was delivering an emotional ballad or an upbeat anthem, the performance was flawless. With every song, it was clear: Kelsea wasn’t just performing for Tampa—she was performing with them. She shared her music in a way that made everyone feel like they were part of her story. With this being my first time seeing her live, I can say that she truly is a master of her craft and knows how to create a bond with her audience like no other. It made for an unforgettable night of fun.
With Chase watching proudly by her side, it was clear this was a night Kelsea would never forget—and neither would the fans like me, who were lucky enough to be there. If you get to see Kelsea Ballerini on one of her Patterns Tour stops, I can’t recommend it enough! I had a blast singing and dancing to this country queen all night long!
-XOXO Rachel
