Viewers React to Jelly Roll Representing Country Music at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards

The Grammy-nominated star bagged his first-ever Billboard Music Award at the ceremony on December 12, 2024.

Jelly Roll represented the country music genre with his two dynamic performances at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards. However, many viewers argued his music leans more toward rock, urging others to stop labeling him as a country music star.

Jelly Roll, whose latest album “Beautifully Broken” continues to resonate deeply with fans, took the stage to deliver heartfelt performances of his tracks “Liar” and “I Am Not Okay.”

Fans erupted in cheers as the singer stepped onto the stage, their energy palpable. The atmosphere turned emotional as the crowd stood, swaying in unison, and sang along to his touching performance of “I Am Not Okay.”

In contrast, before performing “Liar,” Jelly Roll addressed the audience with heartfelt words. “I see people crying, and I see strangers wrapping their arms around them and spreading the love all throughout the building. I can feel the pain, and I can feel the healing happening,” he assured the crowd.

The singer then addressed the crowd with a triumphant declaration, proclaiming that the “devil is a liar,” before launching into a powerful performance of his song “Liar.”

While Jelly Roll’s songs and performances were undeniably powerful and well-received, some viewers took issue with categorizing his music under the country genre and labeling him as a country star.

One fan bluntly remarked, “NOT COUNTRY.” Another expanded on the sentiment, “While it’s good music there isn’t anything ‘country’ stepping into anything. This is just music. Your [sic] not ‘country’ just because you wear boots. I love these artists but let’s stop calling them country.”

A disappointed individual lamented, “This is not country music! It’s really sad what happened to the industry,” while another fan wondered, “Country music? Where?” A different viewer shared what they felt was the music’s genre, “Looks like hip hop.”

On a more positive note, one fan praised Jelly Roll’s impact, “Omg his music gives me energy.” Another chimed in with admiration, “He is the best!”

Jelly Roll was primarily nominated in the rock genre at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards. In the Top Hard Rock Song category, the singer was part of the winning collaboration, Falling In Reverse feat. Jelly Roll’s “All My Life.” This marked his first Billboard Music Award.

The song triumphed over notable contenders like Falling In Reverse’s “Ronald,” HARDY’s “Psycho,” Linkin Park’s “The Emptiness Machine,” and Superheaven’s “Youngest Daughter.”

For Top Song Sales Artist, Jelly Roll faced tough competition from Jung Kook, Taylor Swift, Teddy Swims, and the ultimate winner, Shaboozey. In the Top Rock Artist category, Jelly Roll stood alongside acclaimed names like Hozier, Noah Kahan, Linkin Park, and Zach Bryan, who claimed the top spot.

Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, has come a long way to make a name for himself with heartfelt songs that reflect the hardships of his past. As a teenager, he faced significant challenges. The singer spent 10 years in and out of facilities for offenses like drug-related crimes, shoplifting, and aggravated robbery.

Despite these struggles, Jelly Roll transformed his life and career, earning three No. 1 country hits in 2023 and winning the Country Music Association Award for Best New Artist. He is also a two-time Grammy nominee.

His nickname, “Jelly Roll,” was given to him by his mother in his youth and has remained a meaningful part of his identity. “To this day, my mother calls me Jelly. If somebody walked in here right now and said, ‘Jason,’ I wouldn’t look up,” he divulged.

Reflecting on his incredible journey, Jelly Roll recalled a special moment when he called his mother to share the news of his Grammy nominations. Throughout his life, he had made countless calls to her from places of struggle.

“I’ve called her addicted, I’ve called her homeless, I’ve called her from rehab facilities, I’ve called her from halfway houses, broken down on the side of the street,” he explained. However, this call was different. For the first time, he was able to tell her he had been nominated for two Grammy Awards, marking one of the most meaningful milestones in his life.

Today, with all his successes, Jelly Roll admitted that he’s only beginning to feel that he deserves it. He shared that, at first, he didn’t feel worthy of the recognition, and he continues to grapple with feelings of imposter syndrome.

Even now, he talks with his therapist about whether he truly deserves the accolades. His past still haunts him, and he describes it as a dark and difficult space within his mind.

These days, when Jelly Roll visits behind bars, it’s no longer as an inmate, but as someone with a message to share with those incarcerated.

Furthermore, his life today is vastly different from the turbulent years he spent behind bars. After being released from prison for the final time at 24, he learned from a guard that he had become a father.

That moment, when he first heard the news about his daughter Bailey, marked a turning point in his life. Raised in a world of addiction, Bailey’s mother had struggled with her own demons.

Now, Jelly Roll and his wife, Bunnie XO, are raising his daughter together. Bunnie XO, a podcaster known for her vibrant personality, has been a steadfast support to Jelly Roll, and their partnership has helped him build a new life grounded in love and responsibility.

 

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Jelly Roll’s new life has seen him grace the stages of prestigious awards such as the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards as a performer. Keith Urban and Jelly Roll performed a duet of “Liar” that captivated the audience. The performance, which took place on November 20, 2024, was a highly anticipated moment of the evening.

For many viewers, the collaboration between the two stars was one of the highlights of the 58th CMA Awards, providing a compelling reason to tune in and enjoy the dynamic fusion of rock and country music.