Kelsea Ballerini Shines at ELLE’s Women in Music Celebration With Intimate Acoustic Performance

Last night, the heart of New York City pulsed with music and inspiration as ELLE magazine hosted an exclusive dinner at the elegant Chez Margaux, honoring the trailblazing women shaping today’s music industry. The event, co-hosted by ELLE’s editor-in-chief Nina Garcia and Fendi’s Chief Communication Officer Cristiana Monfardini, gathered an impressive roster of rising stars and established icons alike.

Guests including Ryan Destiny, Dora Jar, Charlotte Lawrence, Muni Long, Grace VanderWaal, Maria Zardoya (of The Marías), Blu DeTiger, and Frawley mingled over a decadent family-style feast curated by acclaimed chef Jean-Georges. The menu featured vibrant salads, artisanal pizzas, succulent prime tenderloin, crispy French fries, and classic rigatoni pomodoro—a culinary celebration fit for the occasion.

Nina Garcia opened the evening with a heartfelt toast: “Our Women in Music issue is one of my favorites. It’s about recognizing and uplifting the women whose voices are changing the industry and our culture.”

As the night unfolded, anticipation built for a special moment: ELLE’s digital cover star, Kelsea Ballerini, took the stage for an intimate acoustic performance. Ballerini, fresh off a nationwide tour and her latest season on The Voice, captivated the room with a soulful rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams.” Garcia praised the country star, calling her “not only talented and beautiful, but also an incredibly gifted musician and writer.”

Ballerini’s advocacy for women’s and LGBTQ+ rights made her a natural choice for the event. Her recent album, Patterns, was crafted with an all-female songwriting team, and she famously brought drag queens onstage for her CMT Music Awards performance. In her ELLE cover story, Ballerini reflected, “I never really was loud about anything for a long time, but now I want my listeners to know what I stand for—and hopefully, they’ll align with it.”

The evening concluded on a sweet note with decadent chocolate cake, fresh fruit, and rich coffee, leaving guests with full hearts and inspired spirits. For an exclusive look inside this unforgettable celebration, browse the gallery below.