Kelsea Ballerini reveals Southern Charm auction chaos—why she and Craig Conover never dated. Plus, her Chase Stokes DM romance!
Why Is Kelsea Ballerini Still Cringing Over Craig Conover?
A decade-old Southern Charm blunder still haunts the country star. During a Cosmopolitan segment, Ballerini groaned recalling Season 2, Episode 11—where she unwittingly bid on a date with Craig Conover.
“I didn’t know they were filming!” she spilled, blaming her label for shoving her “into frame” during a chaotic radio event on a boat. Spoiler: The “date” went to a fan via charity auction.
How Did a Boat Gig Turn Into a Bravo Mishap?
Picture this: A young Ballerini, fresh on the radio circuit, performing “Love Me Like You Mean It” on a cruise. Unbeknownst to her, Bravo’s cameras were rolling for Southern Charm.
“I was there for exposure, not reality TV drama,” she laughed. Producers ambushed her into Conover’s auction scene, where bids climbed awkwardly—“I just remember laughing nervously,” she cringed.
Did Kelsea and Craig Ever Actually Date?
Nope! The auction winner? A lucky listener, not Ballerini. “Charity got the date, not me,” she clarified.
While Craig’s love life recently crashed (RIP Paige DeSorbo), Kelsea’s thriving with Outer Banks star Chase Stokes—a DM-slide success story since 2023.
Meanwhile, Craig’s swiping left on apps: “I’ll meet someone in a bar… or not,” he shrugged post-split.
Why Did Craig Buy a Ring Before His Breakup?
Oof. The Southern Charm star confessed he’d already bought an engagement ring for Paige before their November 2024 split. Now, he’s ditching Raya for IRL meets: “Dating apps aren’t for me.”
Kelsea, meanwhile, dodged the Bravo bullet—jokes she “owes that radio listener a thank-you note.”
Quick Facts: Kelsea & Craig’s Almost-Date Fiasco
• Unwitting TV Cameo: Southern Charm boat auction, 2014
• Auction Outcome: Fan won the date via charity bid
• Kelsea’s Now: Dating Chase Stokes (thanks to DMs)
• Craig’s Status: Single, off apps, mourning lost ring plans
• Lesson Learned: “Always ask if Bravo’s filming!”