Country’s latest sensation Jelly Roll turned Austin, Texas’ Moody Center into a revival Sunday night (April 2).
The CMT Music Awards saw the star – born Jason DeFord – bring the ceremony to church with his electric performance of his latest single, “Need A Favor.” Backed by a gospel choir, the “Son of a Sinner” singer got the arena full of fellow stars on their feet.
Videos by American Songwriter
A first-time nominee, Jelly Roll was up for three nominations during the night – Breakthrough Male Video of the Year, Male Video of the Year, and CMT Digital-First Performance of the Year – following the biggest year of his career last year. He took home all three CMT Music Awards.
“You couldn’t write a Cinderella story cooler than this, saying that I’ll have a headlining show at Bridgestone while I have a top 10 at country radio,” he told Billboard in conversation about his breakthrough year. “I look at it like it’s my introduction party to Nashville, even though I was born here.
“What I think I represent is just a beacon of hope,” he added. “I don’t look like the guy that you would’ve assumed would’ve made it [in country music].”
He is following up his breakout year with a recently announced new album, titled Whitsitt Chapel. The forthcoming 13-track release, named for the church he attended in his childhood, will arrive June 2. It will include “Need A Favor.”
“This album is about growth and gratitude happening in my life,” the artist explained. “I wanted to create a project that felt hopeful. I believe the worst feeling a person can have is feeling hopeless or worthless. This is therapeutic music. Real music for real people with real problems.”
Soon after the album’s release, Jelly Roll will embark on his Backroad Baptism Tour, a 44-date trek that will see him headline arenas across the country from July to October. Acts like Ashley McBryde, Caitlynne Curtis, Chase Rice, Elle King, Merkules, Struggle Jennings, Three 6 Mafia, Yelawolf, and Josh Adam Meyers will join him as support through the lengthy trek.
(Photo by Rick Kern/Getty Images for CMT)
More Latest Music News & Stories
-
JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" airs every weeknight at 11:35 p.m. ET and features a diverse lineup of guests that include celebrities, athletes, musical acts, comedians and human interest subjects, along with comedy bits and a house band. The guests for Wednesday, August 26 included guest host Jelly Roll, Nathan Fillion ("Lanterns" and "The Rookie"), and Juicy J and Project Pat ("Dem Goats"). Musical guest Juicy J and Project Pat featuring Lecrae and Sara Niemietz sits in with The Cletones. (Disney/Randy Holmes)JELLY ROLL (Photo by Randy Holmes/Disney via Getty Images) -
LONDON – 1st MAY: Van Halen pose in a London photographic studio in May 1978. Left to Right: Alex Van Halen, Michael Anthony, David Lee Roth, Eddie Van Halen. (Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns) -
THE KELLY CLARKSON SHOW — Episode A5174 — Pictured: Kelly Clarkson — (Photo by: Weiss Eubanks/NBCUniversal via Getty Images) -
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MAY 17: (L-R) Ronnie Dunn and Kix Brooks of Brooks & Dunn attend the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for ACM) -
Reba McEntire (Photo by Chris Polk/FilmMagic) -
Photo by Frank Micelotta/Getty Images for CMT -
Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP via Getty Images -
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – NOVEMBER 03: Detail view of a Monday Night Football graphic after an NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on November 3, 2025 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)