Update: TMZ has confirmed that Craig Conover and Kelsea Ballerini are not dating. The original article is preserved below.
Back in Season 2 of “Southern Charm,” country singer Kelsea Ballerini bid $5,001 on a date with Craig Conover at a Wounded Warriors charity auction organized by Patricia Altschul. He never cashed it in. Instead, she gave the date away to a radio station to offer as a prize — a fact she has since clarified publicly, calling the whole thing something that still “haunts” her, according to Bravo. Eleven years later, the story may be getting a second chapter.
The Reports
“Southern Charm” Season 12 is currently filming in Charleston, and rumors about Craig’s love life are already circulating. An April 13 Deuxmoi report set things off, reading: “Rumors are swirling that Craig Conover of Bravo’s ‘Southern Charm’ is dating someone new and not just anyone, but someone from his past. If these rumors prove true, it would be quite the twist. Adding to the drama, insiders claim her ex-boyfriend is spiraling over the news. Details remain unconfirmed, so we’re not naming ‘her’ just yet but stay tuned as more information could surface!”
Deuxmoi did not name Kelsea. Hours later, Instagram account @yourmomsarewatching did. “I have it on good authority that Craig Conover is dating Kelsea Ballerini!” the outlet posted. “After bidding on a date with Craig for $2,000 in 2014 in Southern Charm, (a date she then forfeited), Kelsea is finally getting her money’s worth!”
Neither Craig nor Kelsea has confirmed the reports.
The ‘Spiraling Ex’ Question
The detail getting the most attention is Deuxmoi’s claim that Kelsea’s ex-boyfriend is “spiraling” over the news. Kelsea and “Outer Banks” actor Chase Stokes, 33, reportedly split in January 2026, according to BuzzFeed, making him the most likely candidate. The two had been together since 2023. Earlier this year, Chase and Kelsea’s other ex, country singer Morgan Evans, 40, were involved in a public feud after the breakup — meaning whoever Deuxmoi is referring to, the situation around Kelsea’s former relationships is already messy.
Where Both Stand
Craig, 37, split from Paige DeSorbo, 33, in late 2024 after three years together and briefly dated Charley Manley, 28, in 2025. Kelsea, 32, has been single since the Stokes split.
According to Reality Blurb, Season 12 of “Southern Charm” is actively filming now, with Craig confirmed back alongside Madison LeCroy, Salley Carson, Rodrigo Reyes, and Austen Kroll.
No premiere date for Southern Charm Season 12 has been announced. If the rumors are true, Craig’s new relationship is almost certainly already on camera.
Update: TMZ Says No
TMZ confirmed on April 14 via sources with direct knowledge that there is “absolutely no truth” to the claim that Craig and Kelsea are romantically together. The rumor originated with the @yourmomsarewatching Instagram account and was never confirmed by either party. It appears Deuxmoi’s “someone from his past” was not Kelsea — or at the very least, nothing is happening between them.
The search for Craig’s mystery new romance continues.
“Southern Charm” airs on Bravo and streams on Peacock.
Want the daily reality TV drama — no spam, just the good stuff?
Subscribe