First-time CMT Award nominee, Jelly Roll, went three-for-three at last night’s completely fan-voted award show, which aired live from Austin, TX on CBS.
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The 38-year-old Nashville native walked away with belt buckles for Male Video of the Year, Breakthrough Male Video of the Year, and CMT Digital - First Performance of the Year. The recognition further solidifies his successful transition into Country music after getting his start in Rap.
"You can be whatever you want to be. I promise you that,” Jelly said while accepting his Male Video of the Year trophy. “I told them that I wanted to be a Country singer and I am standing here at the CMT Awards with the 'Male Video of the Year,' baby.”
Jelly Roll has been open with fans surrounding his struggles with addiction and the legal system since he walked on the Country scene in 2022 with his debut single, “Son of A Sinner.” He was widely accepted and quickly loved by fans who helped propel the single to #1 on the Country charts by January 2023.
“I want to thank Country radio for accepting me knowing who I was and letting me do it my way the whole way to this stage tonight,” he added. “That means the world to me. And I want to thank the country music community for standing behind me and standing next to me through all this.”
He continued, “It may have looked like it was only 30 yards, but it took me 39 years to walk from over there to right here,” he shared. “I want you to know that I don’t know what you’re going through and I don’t know what you’ve been through but I know you can overcome it. I promise you, you can.”
In addition to accepting three awards, Jelly also performed his new single “Need A Favor,” backed by a gospel choir. The performance moved the crowd to their feet as they raised their hands in support of the song’s faith-based message.
More new music from Jelly Roll will continue to come as he readies to release his new album Whitsitt Chapel on June 2.
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