As he looked around from his position onstage at CMA Fest 2024, Jelly Roll’s appreciation for his spot on the stage was evident for all to see. After a difficult start in his early life, Jelly Roll debuted in the music scene as a rapper, before moving into country music in 2021. Since the shift, he has been embraced by country music fans, many of whom were delighted to see him perform at CMA Fest. But Jelly Roll had more than just a performance in store – he had planned a surprise collaboration.

Jelly Roll began to sing his song, ‘Save Me’ and then, midway through, he invited Lainey Wilson to join him. Together, they gave an emotional performance of the remix they released earlier in 2024. The first time I heard this song, I was deeply moved by the vulnerability the lyrics displayed. One fan shared their experience of the powerful impact the song had on them, commenting on the online video, “This song and Jelly Roll has no idea how many lives he has touched and saved.”

It will be hard for readers not to feel the same when they see the pair’s powerful duet. The song has touched the hearts of many, dealing with themes of addiction that Jelly Roll has been open about suffering from in the past. The comments on his performance were flooded with people sharing their own battles with addiction, and how Jelly Roll’s music has given them hope to get through, showing just how valuable this musician’s openness and honesty has been.

Jelly Roll’s powerful vulnerability was once again on display when he performed at the Billboard Music Awards in December 2024. This time he performed ‘I Am Not Okay’, once again sharing some of his deepest emotions. However, there seemed to be a sense of catharsis in the room, as the audience sang along at the top of their lungs “I am not okay, but it’s all gonna be alright” in a moment that united everyone in acknowledgment of their struggles, whilst still finding hope for the future.

Since 2023, Jelly Roll has been nominated for an enormous number of awards, including not only CMA Awards but Grammys and People’s Choice Awards too. It is evident from seeing his live performances that his music truly has the power to touch people’s hearts. For me, listening to his music cuts straight through to remembering my own struggles in life – an experience fans who love Jelly Roll are sure to relate to as well. With the openness and vulnerability in his music encouraging openness in listeners and fans, the powerful message he has to share with his music is clear – you are not alone, and there is always hope.

Jelly Roll’s journey from rap to country has been inspiring, and his moving performance at CMA Fest 2024 with Lainey Wilson only cements his impact in the music world. His heartfelt songs continue to resonate with fans, offering solace and hope in times of struggle.