Walking away as country music’s biggest winner, Jelly Roll had a momentous night at the 2026 Grammy Awards, taking home three trophies.
In just his third year as a Grammy nominee, he dominated the evening, winning Best Contemporary Country Album for Beautifully Broken, Best Country Duo Performance for “Amen” with Shaboozey, and Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for “Hard Fought Hallelujah” with Brandon Lake.
He also made a strong impression with his acceptance speech, in which he heavily thanked the most influential person in his life, God. Jelly Roll, formally known as Jason DeFord, has been continuously outspoken about his relationship with Christ and the tribulations of overcoming his troubled past. After spending time in and out of juvenile detention and prison from ages 14 to 25, Jelly Roll continuously credits his wife, faith, and, of course, his music as his saving graces.
During his televised acceptance speech for Best Contemporary Country Album, Jelly Roll captivated the stage with a fierce testimony, saying, “I know they’re gonna try and kick me off here, so let me just try and get this out. First of all, Jesus, I hear you, and I’m listening, Lord, I am listening, Lord.”
He went on to thank his wife of nearly ten years, Bunnie Xo: “Second of all, I wanna thank my beautiful wife, I would’ve never changed my life without you, I’d end up dead or in jail, or I’d have k*lled myself if it wasn’t for you and Jesus, I thank you for that.”
Then like a howling southern baptist preacher, Jelly Roll detailed the fire behind this project stating, “There was a time in my life y’all that I was broken, that’s why I wrote this album and I didn’t think I had a chance yall. There was days that I thought the darkest things, I was a horrible human, there was a moment in my life that all I had was a bible this big and a radio the same size in a 6 by 8 ft cell,” to which he whipped out his minature bible. Proudly waving the book around, he passionately continued, “I believed that those two things could change my life, I believe that music had the power to change my life and God had the power to change my life.”
Looking out at a room filled with some of music’s biggest stars, he emphasized, “I wanna tell y’all right now, Jesus is for everybody, Jesus is not owned by one political party, Jesus is not owned by no music label, Jesus is Jesus, and anybody can have a relationship with him. I love you, Lord.”
With this bold proclamation shouting his glory to God’s grace, a standing ovation erupted across the audience, including Reba, who popped up from her seat like a proud mama. Presenter and “Save Me” duet partner Lainey Wilson embraced him before he exited the stage.
Whether you like his music or not there’s no denying Jelly Roll’s admirable charisma when it comes to preaching what he believes in. He carries a fiery spirit that lights up every stage he steps on, whether it be at a prestigious award show, behind the judging table on Netflix’s Star Search, or in front of thousands at his own stadium concerts.
For fans hoping to experience his convicting speeches live, there will be no doubt that he’ll continue to preach the gospel on the upcoming Big A** Stadium Tour Part 2. He’ll once again hit the road with Post Malone and opener Carter Faith, with the second leg kicking off in early April. Presale beings this Friday, February 6th at 10 am local time.
Tour Dates:
Fri. April 10 – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Sun. April 26 – Indio, CA
Wed. May 13 – El Paso, TX
Sat. May 16 – Albuquerque, NM
Tue. May 19 – Waco, TX
Sat. May 23 – Baton Rouge, LA
Tue. May 26 – Birmingham, AL
Fri. May 29 – Tampa, FL
Sun. May 31 – Panama City Beach, FL
Fri. June 05 – Oxford, MS
Sun. June 07 – Myrtle Beach, SC
Tue. June 09 – Charlotte, NC
Fri. June 12 – Indianapolis, IN
Tue. June 16 – Toronto, ON
Sat. June 20 – Wildwood, NJ
Mon. June 22 – East Hartford, CT
Thu. June 25 – Cleveland, OH
Sat. June 27 – Milwaukee, WI
Tue. June 30 – Nashville, TN
Sat. July 11 – Fayetteville, AR
Wed. July 15 – Kansas City, MO
Fri. July 17 – Ames, IA
Tue. July 21 – Missoula, MT
Fri. July 24 – Edmonton, AB
Tue. July 28 – Salt Lake City, UT
Watch Jelly Roll’s full Grammy’s speech below: