The Memorable Moments of Jelly Roll at the 2024 CMT Music Awards: From Heartwarming Gestures to Energetic Performances

Every Time Jelly Roll Stole the Show at the 2024 CMT Music Awards

Jelly Roll Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images for CMT

Jelly Roll, a newcomer to country music awards shows, stole the spotlight at the 2024 CMT Awards on Sunday, April 7.

The 39-year-old artist was nominated for Video of the Year, Male Video of the Year, and CMT Performance of the Year, winning all three categories. Accompanied by his wife Bunnie XO, Jelly Roll proudly accepted his well-deserved trophies at Austin's Moody Center.

During the awards ceremony, Jelly Roll showed his appreciation for everyone by giving free hugs, singing along to the performances, and more.

Check out below for a recap of Jelly Roll's top moments on the 2024 CMTs stage:

Getting Inside His Head

Host Kelsea Ballerini poked fun at awards show lip reading from the Golden Globes and the Grammys by having CMT attendees narrate their inner monologues.

Ballerini shared, "Sometimes the camera catches us at the wrong moment, and our reactions get misunderstood. You might think you can read our minds, but you can't. Today, we'll uncover what our audience members are truly thinking. Yes, we're diving into some mind-reading right here."

Every Time Jelly Roll Stole the Show at the 2024 CMT Music Awards

Jelly Roll Rick Kern/Getty Images for CMT

After Lainey Wilson and Chase Stokes, Ballerini’s boyfriend, delivered their thoughts, it was Jelly Roll’s turn.

"Hey everyone, I'm Mr. Angelo Rollingsworth, but my real name is Jason Bradley DeFord," joked the singer.

Shortly after, Keith Urban shared that he had hoped to sit beside Jelly Roll at the ceremony and jokingly expressed his disappointment. However, the 56-year-old ended up being seated next to Buc’ee’s mascot Bucky the Beaver.

Moody Center: The Ultimate Barbie Dreamhouse

Ballerini wowed the audience with multiple outfit changes throughout the show. One standout look featured her sporting a replica of Margot Robbie’s cowboy-themed Barbie jumpsuit and hat. Embracing her inner cowgirl, she proudly declared herself as “Country Barbie” and even suggested Jelly Roll as her pick for “Weird Barbie.”

“Weird Barbie” is the name of Kate McKinnon’s movie character, referring to a doll that had been played with (and thus, loved) so much.

Every Time Jelly Roll Stole the Show at the 2024 CMT Music Awards

Jelly Roll Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMT

Everyone Gets a Hug From Jelly Roll

Ballerini highlighted Jelly Roll in a different hosting segment.

"As a host, I have the responsibility of delivering both good and bad news. Unfortunately, I have some bad news for the celebrities in the audience tonight: There won't be any gift bags, I know, I know," she announced. "But, fear not! I have something even better to offer. Are you ready? It's a hug from Jelly Roll! Come here, sweetheart! Trust me, it's the best hug you'll ever receive. It's like winning an award in itself."

After Jelly Roll and Ballerini hugged, she invited others to join in on the hug too.

"Hold on, Gayle King is next in line for a hug!" Jelly Roll excitedly declared. "Ashley [McBryde] and Cody [Johnson] are also getting hugs. But, Gayle King is up next! Gayle King, how was that hug?"

King, who is 69 years old, quickly requested another hug.

Jelly Roll chimed in, "Yes, this is amazing! Who else wants a hug? I'm giving them out for free." He then observed Ballerini embracing the TV journalist and exclaimed, "A hug between Kelsea and Gayle? Let me tell you all, I am thrilled right now. I just needed to hug someone again. Once I start hugging people, I can't stop."

Every Time Jelly Roll Stole the Show at the 2024 CMT Music Awards

Jelly Roll Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMT

Jelly Roll then joined Ballerini on stage to introduce their friend Lainey Wilson, whom they both adore. Lainey performed her song "Country's Cool Again."

He’s a Winner

Jelly Roll was awarded CMT Performance of the Year for his performance of “Need a Favor” at the previous year's awards show. He gave Bunnie XO, 44, a friendly kiss before heading up on stage.

Every Time Jelly Roll Stole the Show at the 2024 CMT Music Awards

Jelly Roll, in his acceptance speech, expressed his gratitude to the fans in Austin, Texas. He thanked God, his wife, and his daughter who was watching from home. Reflecting on his journey, he mentioned how performing at his first awards show a year ago and singing 'Need a Favor' on national television had changed his life completely. It was an emotional moment for him as he realized the impact the past year had on his life.

His speech then took a less serious tone, adding: “I stand here tonight a man that plans to party on 6th Street and go to the comedy mothership! I’ll see you later!”

No. 1 Fan

Every Time Jelly Roll Stole the Show at the 2024 CMT Music Awards

Jelly Roll Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for CMT

Another Win

Brooks and Dunn, Sammy Hagar, and Wilson, 31, joined forces to pay tribute to the late Toby Keith, who passed away earlier this year. Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO were on their feet the whole time, belting out Keith's greatest hits. As soon as Hagar, 76, wrapped up his performance, Jelly Roll lifted a red Solo cup. (Everyone in the audience and the band were handed plastic cups, a nod to Keith's iconic song of the same name.)

Jelly Roll won the Male Video of the Year award and delivered a heartfelt speech. He praised his brother Cody Johnson for his music video "The Painter," calling it one of the best he's ever seen. Jelly Roll expressed his gratitude to CMT for giving him a chance last year and coming back strong this year. He mentioned that he was having one of the greatest nights of his life.

Ready to Party

He continued, “But speaking of second chances, it is important that I stand up here tonight and represent those [who] are looking for second chances. The kids … down here in the Austin juvenile detention facility are watching this tonight. I’m cheering y’all boys on. You can beat this. You can change. You can turn it around, I promise you. I once heard a man say, ‘Don’t change until the pain to remain the same is greater than the pain it takes to change and that’s what it takes.’ I love you, Texas!”

Later that night, when King went on stage to announce the Female Video of the Year, she shared a recent encounter she had with Jelly Roll after their hug went viral.

She mentioned that Jelly Roll would be appearing on CBS Mornings the next morning and how she had just seen him backstage. King jokingly told him not to stay out too late, to which Jelly Roll replied, "I can't make any promises, Gayle. I can't make any promises." Despite this, King expressed her admiration for him.

Celebrating Success

When Jelly Roll won Video of the Year, he had a playful response to King's remarks. "Gayle King, I'm gonna be a little late in the morning," he jokingly added. "We're gonna party, Austin. Let's go!"

Jelly Roll was pleasantly surprised on Sunday when he won every award he was nominated for.

After receiving Video of the Year and his third trophy of the night from Billy Bob Thornton, he expressed his gratitude. "Cody Johnson, you are my favorite cowboy forever and ever. Kelsea Ballerini, you know how highly I think of you. Keep shining, girl."

Jelly Roll showed appreciation to his team and fans before demonstrating what it means to be a great husband.

In a heartfelt moment, he expressed his gratitude to his wife, Ms. Bunnie DeFord, acknowledging her as his partner. Overwhelmed with emotion, Bunnie was visibly moved as Jelly Roll praised her for seeing beauty in imperfection and declared his love for her.

High Fives for All

Jelly Roll concluded his live performance, which wrapped up the show, by high-fiving members of the crowd as he walked down from the stage.

Editor's P/S:

Jelly Roll's exceptional performance at the 2024 CMT Awards is a testament to his remarkable talent and the impact he has made on country music. His wins in all three categories he was nominated for, including the prestigious Video of the Year award, reflect the admiration and respect he has earned within the industry. Jelly Roll's heartfelt speeches and genuine interactions with fellow artists and attendees showcased his down-to-earth nature and unwavering dedication to his craft.

Furthermore, Jelly Roll's commitment to giving back and inspiring others is evident in his speech acknowledging the youth at the Austin juvenile detention facility. His message of second chances and resilience serves as a powerful reminder that change is possible and that even those facing challenges can overcome adversity. Jelly Roll's journey, from performing at his first awards show a year ago to sweeping the CMT Awards this year, is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and the unwavering support of fans and loved ones.