Country music fans had plenty to say after Kelsea Ballerini’s tribute to Barbara Mandrell at the Grand Ole Opry’s centennial — some applauded the gesture, while others were far from impressed.
Kelsea Ballerini took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry to honor country legend Barbara Mandrell as part of the venue’s 100th-anniversary celebration, sparking a buzz.
A netizen’s comment on Kelsea Ballerini’s performance, dated March 20, 2025 | Source: Instagram/nbc
The singer performed Mandrell’s 1981 hit, “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool,” with Mandrell seated nearby, swaying along to the tribute.
Kelsea Ballerini performs onstage while Barbara Mandrell sits nearby and sways to the beat, as seen in a video dated March 20, 2025 | Source: YouTube/NBC
During the performance, Ballerini adjusted the lyrics to emphasize the significance of the Grand Ole Opry, singing, “And I was listenin’ to the Opry when all of my friends were diggin’ Rock ‘n Roll and Rhythm and Blues, I was country when country wasn’t cool.”
At the song’s conclusion, she embraced Mandrell and altered the closing line to, “She was country when country wasn’t cool.”
Kelsea Ballerini embraces Barbara Mandrell onstage, as seen in a video dated March 20, 2025 | Source: YouTube/NBC
Ballerini’s tribute sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising her performance while others criticized her rendition.
On Facebook, one person commented, “Not a Kelsea fan [sic].” Another agreed, writing, “I think she ruined the song. It just sounded like every other Kelsea song and nothing like Barbara’s song.” Another reaction stated, “I think she sounded awful. She’s no Barbara.”
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