Kelsea Ballerini is ramping it up, for a “glittery, fire”-infused version of “Miss Me More” on the CMT Awards

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Black River EntertainmentFor Kelsea Ballerini, tonight’s CMT Music Awards are the beginning of one of her favorite times of the year, as CMA Fest takes over Nashville.

“CMTs are the kickoff of CMA week,” the Knoxville native explains. “And I know for me, I went to CMA week as a fan, and went to the stadium, and sat up in the nosebleeds and watched that show every night.”

“So I think it’s a really exciting week for us as artists to be able to have that one-on-one interaction with the fans and say thank you and just get up close and personal with everyone,” she continues.

Kelsea’s up for the night’s big prize, Video of the Year, as well as Female Video of the Year, both for her current hit, “Miss Me More.”

“I wrote this treatment, and for me, it kind of gives a different perspective of the lyric,” she points out. “It’s not really about fighting for this person; it really is fighting against yourself. And I just think it’s a really important message, not even just for girls, but for everyone to realize that you’re always worth fighting for.”

“It sounds really cheesy, but it’s really the truth, and I think that everyone needs to be reminded of that,” she adds. “So I’m really proud to be nominated particularly for this video.”

The “Legends” hitmaker promises an unforgettable performance on tonight’s show.

“Last year at the CMTs, we did ‘I Hate Love Songs,'”  she recalls. “It was very stripped, it was very casual, chill.”

“So this year, we’ve gotta ramp it back up,” she teases. “So it’ll be glittery…and maybe there’s a glittery, fire situation.”

The 2019 CMT Awards air live from Bridgestone Arena starting at 8 p.m. ET.

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