Eric Goldman for IGN observed that "Ballad" proved Glee is capable of delivering a "pretty solid" episode without Jane Lynch's presence, rating the episode 8/10.
Eric Goldman fra IGN bemærkede, at "Ballad" beviste at Glee er i stand til at levere en "temmelig fast" episode uden Jane Lynchs tilstedeværelse, og ratede episode 8 ud af 10.