'Star-Struck' Kelsea Ballerini 'a Huge Fan' of Friend Lady Gaga (EXCL)
Kelsea Ballerini has nothing but love and respect for Lady Gaga and a source exclusively tells Life & Style the pair have built a meaningful friendship over the years and are taking it to the next level by enjoying intimate dates with their respective partners, Chase Stokes and Michael Polansky.
While country star Kelsea, 31, and pop queen Gaga, 39, may seem like an unlikely duo at first, the two iconic musicians have a deep appreciation for one another and actually share quite a lot in common. The insider notes that Kelsea has long been an admirer of the “Poker Face” singer both for her artistic prowess and her efforts off stage, as well. “Kelsea is a huge Gaga fan,” the insider says. “She was totally star-struck when they first met, but Gaga quickly put her at ease.”
Their first meeting proved to be eventful, at least in the sense it marked the beginning of their friendship that would continue to deepen and develop due to their mutual respect and love of each other’s genres.
“Gaga loves country music and was very complimentary,” the insider reveals. “They exchanged info and things grew from there.”
The “Bad Romance” singer had previously talked about how much she admires country music, telling Rolling Stone, “I have a general and deep respect for all country musicians,” in October 2016, way before Country Music’s current popularity craze, which the source says definitely helped things along as the two became fast friends.
Ever since first getting to know each other, Gaga and Kelsea have made time for each other whenever possible and have been seen together at numerous events, including the CMAs. “When Kelsea is in town they often get together and the last couple of times she’s brought Chase with her,” the insider explains.
As the two grew closer they began bringing their partners more and more into the mix, as well, creating their own tight social circle. Lady Gaga has been with her fiancée, entrepreneur Michael, 47, for over five years. They began dating in 2019 and recently got engaged in April 2024. The “Cowboys Cry Too” singer got together with Outer Banks hunk Chase, 32, in January 2023.
“There are usually a small group of friends there,” the source adds, “and a lot of times they all end up gathered around the piano after dinner. Gaga loves to host. She gets a lot of joy from making a great meal and sharing it. She’d rather do that than go out to dinner a lot of the time.”
As far as Kelsea is concerned, low-key nights in with her close friends is preferable to a hectic touring schedule and she’s eager to return the hospitality. Though, because Gaga and Michael “don’t leave their compound in Malibu much,” it may be a little difficult to coordinate schedules and make it happen. “Kelsea would love to return the favor and invite Gaga and Michael over, either to Chase’s place in L.A. or even to her place in Nashville,” the insider shares.