Why Kelsea Ballerini Broke Down In Tears On 'The Voice'

Kelsea Ballerini opened up about why she broke down in tears on The Voice.

The Patterns superstar shared a clip of Team Kelsea singer Angie Rey’s performance on the show on Monday evening (March 31) on her Instagram story. Rey, who delivered a rendition of Ballerini’s “Penthouse” during the Blind Auditions, opted to cover “Dirt Cheap” by Cody Johnson in the Knockouts.

Ballerini said on the show as Rey rehearsed “Dirt Cheap” that “it was my first time really knowing how much of a storyteller Angie is because this song doesn’t have too much of a dynamic. And so, she was really forced to make it all about the story.” Ballerini began to cry as Rey covered the heartfelt ballad, and Rey paused her performance to hug her coach. Ballerini explained on the show, “I got emotional because my dog is super sick. …But that is the thing about country music, is it does talk about real life and the things that are hard to talk about.” She began to cry again while sharing her feedback on the Knockouts performances as she sat in her iconic red chair alongside fellow coaches Adam Levine, John Legend and Michael Bublé.

When Ballerini shared the clip of the Knockouts performance on her Instagram story, she revealed there was so much more that viewers didn't see on TV.

She wrote: “there was soooo much cut out of this, but I just want to say that this was the week Dibs, my fur baby, was diagnosed with heart cancer and we didn’t know if it was days or weeks or anything more. Angie picked one of the best storytelling country songs I’ve heard in a long time, with a line about the favorite dog being buried, and it was hyper emotional timing for me. I tried my best to show up on set and be present, but I wasn’t able to be a good coach here. Angie really gave me the grace to be human, and was a friend to me in that moment. I can’t say enough about not only the talent on this show, but the heart, that you get to see on screen, but also so much that is beyond. Dibs is at home with my mom right now laughing that I ugly cried on TV about him as he’s still, by the grace of God, living beautifully. 🤍”

Ballerini announced in late August that Dibs had been diagnosed with inoperable cancer in his heart. She said her beloved dog was “not in pain, and luckily it hasn’t spread further. …It’s a complex and emotional time. He’s been my baby and my steady for the last 9 years and very much alongside this whole journey with us all. I know so many of you care about him and are sending him prayers and love, and from my whole heart… thank you. He’s wagging his tail right now no doubt saying thank you, too.” She’s since shared a few updates on his health, including in early December, when she revealed Dibs’ “original prognosis was 4 months. That was 4 months ago, but he’s still steady and happy, so every day is a gift and I’m a little extra grateful we get the holidays together this year. 🤍”

The singer-songwriter and ACM Entertainer of the Year nominee is currently on her first headlining arena tour. She said on Instagram on March 20: “Dibby had another round of chemo today and is being the strongest boy. I get to see him in two weeks and until then spend every day sending healing thoughts his way. I appreciate y’all checking in on him and giving him love more than you know. 🤍”