Kelsea Ballerini didn’t just show up at the 2025 Grammys—she arrived. At 5ft 7 (170.2 cm), the country-pop star knows how to command attention, and this year, she fully embraced high-glamour French couture in a Tamara Ralph Fall 2024 bugle-beaded black mini dress with a conical bra top and subtle shimmering fringe. But the dramatic white opera cape—with puffed sleeves and an elongated train—truly made this a statement moment.
Ballerini has previously admitted that she was once hesitant to wear high heels because of her height, but now she confidently embraces them. “For a long time, because I’m pretty tall, I was scared to wear heels, but now I wear them all the time,” she shared.
Her 2025 Grammys look proved just that, as she completed her ensemble with ultra-pointy Christian Louboutin Kate Max pumps, adding a razor-sharp finish to her striking red carpet appearance. A fan of sleek footwear, Ballerini—who wears a US size 7—has long embraced elegant and fashion-forward heels.
Kelsea Ballerini stuns in a Tamara Ralph beaded mini dress and dramatic opera cape at the 67th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 2, 2025, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Some might argue that the cape was unnecessary, that the plunging neckline, intricate beading, and Kelsea’s mile-long legs were enough. But let’s be real: the cape was the exclamation point. It balanced boldness with sophistication, a mix of old Hollywood elegance and modern edge.
A Closer Look at Her Stunning Accessories
She paired the look with Christian Louboutin’s Kate Max pumps in black—part of the brand’s signature Kate line, featuring a pointed toe and stiletto heel—along with Jared Atelier diamond earrings and rings. Her beauty look? Effortlessly polished, with long blonde waves cascading down her shoulders.
Kelsea Ballerini’s ultra-pointy Christian Louboutin Kate Max pumps added a razor-sharp finish to her Grammys look, elongating her legs and enhancing the sleek, high-fashion edge of her beaded mini dress and dramatic opera cape (Credit: Kevin Mazur / Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
The Christian Louboutin Kate Max Pump: A Fashion Statement
The Kate Max pump takes Christian Louboutin’s iconic pointed-toe silhouette to the extreme, offering a dramatically elongated and exaggerated toe that sets it apart from the So Kate and classic Kate styles. While both styles feature the brand’s signature sleek design, the Kate Max amplifies the pointed-toe effect, creating an ultra-sharp, avant-garde aesthetic.
It’s no surprise that Ballerini gravitated toward these bold heels, as she has openly expressed her love for shoes. “Honestly, I’m such a shoe girl. I like to save money, and I like to spend money on shoes,” she once shared. The Kate Max pumps, with their signature red sole and ultra-pointed finish, perfectly complement her glamorous yet edgy red carpet style.
Kelsea’s choice of the ultra-pointed Kate Max pumps reflects a wider trend in fashion—one that embraces the elongating, ultra-feminine appeal of pointy-toe heels. Their sleek design not only enhances a woman’s silhouette but also exudes confidence and elegance. For those interested in exploring the various shoe toe shapes and their impact on style and comfort, our comprehensive toe shape guide delves into the nuances of different designs.
A side-by-side comparison of Christian Louboutin’s ultra-pointed Kate Max (left) and the classic So Kate (right), showing the exaggerated toe shape that sets the Kate Max apart
Like all Louboutin pumps, the Kate Max is adorned with the Forever Red Sole, but what makes this model stand out is its Everlasting Red Sole—a result of an innovative coating technique designed to enhance durability and maintain the vibrancy of Louboutin’s signature hue over time.
Additionally, the Kate Max is crafted with elegant lines and a low-cut vamp, ensuring a strikingly bold yet sophisticated look that accentuates the foot. The 100 mm stiletto heel adds height and elegance, while the black-gold velour material enhances its luxe appeal.
For those looking to shop the Kate Max, it is available for purchase at Nordstrom and Mytheresa, making it a must-have addition for fashion lovers who appreciate daring footwear with timeless craftsmanship.
Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes: A Stylish Couple at the Grammys
Of course, she had her best accessory on hand: her boyfriend, Outer Banks star Chase Stokes, who complemented her in a coordinating black-and-white ensemble. Also by her side? Noah Kahan, her duet partner for Cowboys Cry Too, which was nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
Kelsea Ballerini stuns in a beaded Tamara Ralph mini dress and Louboutin Kate Max pumps, posing with Noah Kahan and Chase Stokes in coordinated black-and-white looks at the 2025 GRAMMYs (Credit: Kevin Mazur / Getty Images for The Recording Academy)
Despite their loss to Beyoncé and Miley Cyrus’ II Most Wanted, Kelsea and Noah took it in stride, poking fun at their Grammys L. And honestly? With a look this major, Kelsea was still winning.
Kelsea Ballerini’s red carpet appearances consistently showcase her impeccable taste in footwear, complementing her ensembles with carefully selected heels. At the 2019 CMT Music Awards, she donned Jimmy Choo’s Minny sandals, adding a touch of elegance to her look.
Similarly, at the 2018 Academy of Country Music Awards, Kelsea opted for Stuart Weitzman’s Nudist sandals, known for their minimalist design and sleek silhouette. Her affinity for sophisticated yet understated heels highlights her fashion-forward approach, seamlessly blending style and comfort.
Kelsea Ballerini’s Red Carpet Moments Over the Years
In October 2018, Kelsea Ballerini joined Jennifer Lopez, Taylor Swift, and Halsey at the 2018 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. She was nominated for the Favorite Female Country Artist award.
Kelsea Ballerini glittered on the red carpet at the 2018 American Music Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles on October 9, 2018 (Credit: WENN / Brian To)
Flaunting her sexy legs in a sequined dress from the Nicolas Jebran Spring 2018 Collection featuring asymmetric cuts and a zebra-print oblique belt, she looked right at home at the American Music Awards.
The Christian Louboutin Cross Blake Pumps: A Celebrity Favorite
The “Legends” songstress accessorized with Kai Linz jewelry and mesh Cross Blake pumps from Christian Louboutin.
Kelsea Ballerini’s choice of Christian Louboutin’s ‘Cross Blake’ pumps places her among celebrities like Karlie Kloss, who have embraced this chic design.
Kelsea Ballerini flaunts her sexy legs in a sequined dress by Nicolas Jebran
Alicia Keys, for instance, showcased these metallic gold pumps during New York Fashion Week, pairing them with a blush suit and mesh top, creating a harmonious blend of elegance and edge.
Christian Louboutin ‘Cross Blake’ Pumps, $895
It’s evident that celebrities like Kelsea Ballerini gravitate towards Christian Louboutin’s designs not only for their signature red soles but also for their unparalleled craftsmanship and ability to make a statement on the red carpet.
The brand’s allure is further highlighted by stars such as Blake Lively and Selena Gomez, who have been spotted donning Louboutin heels at prestigious events. This widespread celebrity endorsement underscores the brand’s status as a symbol of luxury and style.