Kelly Clarkson says Kelsea Ballerini’s 2018 CMT Music Awards performance was her favorite

ABC/Paula LoboKelsea Ballerini has a fan in Kelly Clarkson. The pop star was in attendance for the 2018 CMT Music Awards Wednesday evening in Nashville, where she also performed, but says that it was Kelsea that stole the show.

Kelly shared a photo of herself beside Kelsea backstage at the awards show and praised the country singer for her stirring performance of new single, “I Hate Love Songs.”

“She is one of my favorites,” Kelly gushed on Twitter. “Nothing like a girl in jeans simply singing a great song and creating an intimate environment in an arena! My personal favorite of the night.”

While Kelly raved about the country darling, Kelsea had her own praise for her idol while sharing a selfie on Instagram of the two singers together. “Don’t worry y’all, didn’t pass out until after,” she captions the photo. “Ugh @kellyclarkson you’re just the greatest.”

The 2018 CMT Music Awards were held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, where Blake Shelton and Carrie Underwood were crowned the night’s big winners