This isn't Kelsea Ballerini's "First Rodeo" with heartbreak. 

The country hitmaker made her first public appearance since her reported breakup with actor Chase Stokes, taking the stage last night (September 25) at Chicago’s Riviera Theatre.

The two A-listers dated nearly three-years, leaving fans beyond shocked over the news. The evening was filled with raw emotion, as Ballerini delivered a deeply personal set that resonated with fans.

One of the most touching moments occurred during her performance of "We Broke Up," a song from her latest album Patterns. As she sang the lyrics, "We broke up," the audience could sense the pain in her voice and see the sadness in her eyes.

@nikkisnoticky WE BROKE UP #kelseaballerini #webrokeup #kelseaballeriniconcert #kelseaballerinilive #siriusxm ♬ original sound - Nikki

The Legends, Ballerini's dedicated fanbase, noted the vulnerability she displayed, especially during the final chorus, where she seemed to confront the rumors head-on. Her delivery was not just a performance but a statement – signaling her readiness to move beyond the speculation surrounding her personal life.

She also delivered a heart-wrenching rendition of  "Penthouse," a song from her 2023 EP Rolling Up the Welcome Mat. The track was inspired by the unraveling of her marriage to fellow country singer Morgan Evans. The song captures the bittersweet reality of building a life together only to watch it fall apart, with vivid lyrics about packing up memories and losing intimacy in a once-shared home.

It was especially difficult for Ballerini to sing because the hit also nods to moving on —most notably in the vulnerable line, “I kissed someone new last night," a lyric tied to her relationship with Stokes. Singing it live so soon after their breakup gave the song a whole new weight, making the pain in her voice unmistakable.

@swiftieinkc Emotional performance of Penthouse from @Kelsea Ballerini tonight in Chicago. Love ya girl 💕 insane vocals as usual!!  #kb #kelseaballerini #patterns #penthouse ♬ original sound - Jojo (in KC)

In between songs, Ballerini took a moment to connect with the audience. She shared that she had spent a "perfect fall day" in Chicago, enjoying coffee, and expressed her gratitude for the healing power of music.

"Your girl needed it this week," she admitted, acknowledging the challenges she had faced recently. Her honesty only drew the crowd closer, strengthening the special bond she shares with her fans.

The breakup with Stokes, confirmed by her representative on September 14, came as a surprise to many. Despite their efforts to maintain a strong relationship, including attending couples therapy and prioritizing time together, the two decided to part ways amicably. Sources close to the couple described the decision as mutual, with both parties acknowledging the difficulty of the situation. 

"They're two adults who gave it their all and tried to do everything theyt could to make it work, but ultimately couldn't," the close source told PEOPLE. "It happens."

@kelseaballerini

cc: speculators, “sources”, and hidden cameras outside the hair salon. let us be. please. ❤️‍🩹

♬ shut up - Ariana Grande

In the days following the announcement, Ballerini addressed the public's reaction via TikTok. Set to Ariana Grande's "Shut Up," she expressed her frustration with the media's intrusion into her personal life, captioning the video with a plea to "let us be."

As Ballerini continues her tour, her performance in Chicago serves as a testament to her resilience and the therapeutic power of music. With the unwavering support of The Legends, she is navigating this chapter of her life with strength and authenticity. 

Photo Credit: Getty / Kevin Mazur