Kenny Chesney Kicks Off Las Vegas Residency With Kelsea Ballerini Cameo
Kenny Chesney made his long-awaited Las Vegas residency debut at The Sphere on Thursday night (May 22), and he wasn’t alone — Kelsea Ballerini joined him on stage, making the first night even more memorable.
The crowd erupted as Ballerini appeared to perform a trio of songs alongside Chesney. The two teamed up for their award-winning duet “Half of My Hometown,” before surprising fans with a playful duet version of “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sexy.” Ballerini also stepped into Grace Potter’s role on “You and Tequila,” blending her vocals seamlessly with Chesney’s.
@courtanne25 Kenny Chesney at the Sphere with surprise guest Kelsea Ballerini #kennychesney #kelseaballerini #sphere #spherelasvegas #noshoesnation ♬ original sound – Courtney
Dressed in a sparkling silver sequin dress that reflected the dazzling visuals of the Sphere, Ballerini looked like a human disco ball under the venue’s sweeping digital projections.
First-Ever Country Show at The Sphere
Chesney’s Live at The Sphere residency marks both his first extended stay in Las Vegas and the first-ever country show to be staged at the groundbreaking venue, which opened in 2023. Known for his elaborate screen productions on tour, Chesney was a natural fit for the Sphere’s 270-degree immersive display.
The show is steeped in Chesney’s signature island aesthetic, transporting fans into his sun-soaked world of surf, sand, and timeless country anthems.
A Career-Spanning Setlist
Judging from opening night, the residency is a full-on celebration of Chesney’s career. Fans were treated to a setlist packed with hits, including “Beer in Mexico,” “No Shoes, No Shirt, No Problem,” “Summertime,” and “When the Sun Goes Down.”
The limited-run residency currently extends through June 21, but given Chesney’s track record — and the buzz surrounding his opening night — additional dates seem likely.
A Hall of Fame Moment
Chesney’s Vegas residency comes at a milestone time in his career. Recently named a 2025 Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, he continues to prove why he’s one of country’s all-time greats. With a career spanning three decades and multiple reinventions, his Las Vegas debut feels like both a victory lap and the start of a new chapter.
