Kelsea Ballerini stopped singing during a performance in Boise, Idaho, after she was hit with an object while on stage.
The 29-year-old country artist can be seen in footage circulating social media being hit with an unidentified object, touching her face while a bandmate came to check on her before leaving the stage.
On Thursday, Ballerini took to Instagram to let fans know that she is OK. She shared a lengthy statement to her Instagram story.
“hi. i’m fine. someone threw a bracelet, it hit me in the eye, and it more so just scared me than hurt me,” she wrote. “we all have triggers and layers of fears way deeper than what is shown, and that’s why i walked offstage to calm down and make sure myself, band and crew, and the crowd all felt safe to continue. that’s all i ever want, is for shows to feel like a safe place for us all. i love you and appreciate all of the concern, lets make the last two shoes of the heartfirst tour the best yet.”
Ballerini also shared photos from her performance on her Instagram feed. “two shows of the heartfirst tour left,” she wrote, adding: “(ps- i’m fine, let’s just do a better job of keeping each other safe at shows. ily.).”
USA TODAY has reached out to Ballerini’s rep for comment.
A fan account dedicated to Ballerini shared a video of the moment on Twitter Wednesday, urging fans not to throw objects in the future.
“Guys. I know we all mean well. We all want to show Kelsea love the best way we know how, and shower her with all the gifts. But throwing things on stage where artists are already so vulnerable is NOT the move,” @KelseaCentral said. “If you can’t hand it to her, there are so many other options. Lord, give it to us! We will make sure it gets to her. But PLEASE don’t put her in danger like this. Again, I know you all mean well, but this is becoming a safety issue.”
The onstage incident involving Ballerini is just the latest instance of what has become an unfortunate trend.
CMT Music Awards:Kelsea Ballerini talks gun violence, walks red carpet with Chase Stokes
Pink, Ava Max, Bebe Rexha concert incidents affected shows
The miscellaneous item tossed at Ballerini comes on the heels of three separate incidents at shows stateside that made headlines this month.
Pink paused her performance at a recent concert to address a fan who threw a bag appearing to contain their mother’s ashes on stage. The “Raise Your Glass” singer took it in stride, though she appeared understandably confused in footage circulating on social media.
Ava Max said last week that an audience member slapped her while she performed during a show in Los Angeles.
Pop singer Bebe Rexha had to be hospitalized earlier this month after an audience member threw a phone at her during a concert, the New York Police Department confirmed in a statement to USA TODAY, hitting her in the head.
Last summer, a fan tossed a chicken nugget at Harry Styles at New York City’s Madison Square Garden while vying for his attention.
Contributing: Joy Ashford
