Jelly Roll On What The Judds’ Music and His Tribute Performance Means To Him: WATCH

Jelly Roll wants to make sure that his tribute to The Judds honors their musical legacy.

On Wednesday (November 6) the 2023 CMA Awards took place in Nashville, Tennessee at the Bridgestone Arena. This marks Jelly Roll’s first time being nominated at the prestigious awards show. He is honored for Single of the Year and Music Video of the Year for “Need a Favor.” In addition, he is nominated for Musical Event of the Year with his collaborator Lainey Wilson for “Save Me.” Finally, he is recognized for Male Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year.

Jelly Roll spoke with reporters during his rehearsals and red carpet prior to the telecast. He will be opening up the CMA Awards show alongside K.Michelle performing a tribute to The Judds. Jelly Roll will later be performing his own music later on in the show. He described the feeling as “unreal” to be able to take the stage.

“Just knowing they were like, ‘You’re going to get to perform this year,’ right? I immediately got nervous like, ‘Oh I can’t blow. What am I going to do? What song will it be?'” The Country Music Association later called him back to offer him the opening slot. He said that the “only honor bigger than maybe winning a CMA is getting to open the CMAs.”

Jelly Roll on The Judds’ Influence

“I’ll tell you the ‘Love Can Build a Bridge’ tribute to me is the biggest h honor,” he said. “I have this night because I’m honoring the legacy of The Judds.” Jelly Roll added that he wants to honor Wynonna and Naomi’s story.

“I don’t think it could be more of an honor than to do that and I’m getting to do it next to who I think is one of the greatest vocalists of our generation. I am going to respect The Judds and I’m going to perform with love and reverence. Then I’m going to step out of the way and let K. Michelle take these people to church,” he concluded.