Kelsea Ballerini Delivers Beautiful ‘Always on My Mind’ Cover for ‘Elvis All-Star Tribute’ [WATCH]
Kelsea Ballerini moved the audience with a soaring cover of Elvis Presley's 1972 hit "Always on My Mind" during the Elvis All-Star Tribute TV special. Readers can press play above to watch the performance, which aired Sunday night (Feb. 17), when Ballerini appeared along with other stars to pay tribute to the King of Rock and Roll.
"I grew up in Tennessee, an Elvis Presley fan. From the time he was a kid in Tupelo, Miss., right until the end, country music was always on Elvis Presley's mind," Ballerini shared before launching into the song. "Elvis recorded "Always on My Mind" back in 1972, 10 years before Willie Nelson took it to the top of the country charts, and I feel so proud to sing it tonight, as we all remember the unforgettable Elvis Presley."
Indeed, although country fans likely know "Always on My Mind" more as a Nelson classic, Presley's version of the song became a No. 3 Adult Contemporary chart hit. It was also a Top 20 country song, and a Top 20 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100.
In true Presley style, Ballerini rocked a glitter-encrusted blazer for her appearance at the Elvis All-Star Tribute TV special, which was hosted by Blake Shelton. Along with Ballerini and Shelton, the evening featured performances from Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, Little Big Town, the Pistol Annies and Dierks Bentley.
The Elvis All-Star Tribute show was a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Presley's famous '68 Comeback Special. Footage from the original show played between the night's star-studded performances.
See Photos From the Elvis All-Star Tribute TV Special