Wynonna Judd Addresses Concerns Over Her CMA Performance, Assures Fans 'All Is Well'
Wynonna Judd assures fans that she is doing fine after receiving concerned reactions about her CMA performance alongside Jelly Roll
Jason Kempin/Getty Images
Wynonna Judd has seen the comments about her performance at the 2023 CMA Awards — but she promised fans they have nothing to worry about.
The 59-year-old country singer, Judd, was spotted holding onto Jelly Roll (real name Jason Bradley DeFord) as they performed their song "Need a Favor" at the Nashville awards show on Wednesday, November 8. After the performance, Judd addressed concerns about her health on Instagram, admitting to feeling nervous and explaining her emotional reaction to singing with Jelly Roll.
Judd reminisced about her anxiety taking hold as soon as she stepped onto the stage. She confessed, "I was so nervous that I clung onto dear life. But thankfully, everything turned out well."
Prior to the CMAs, held at Tennessee's Bridgestone Arena, Judd shared her rationale behind teaming up with Jelly Roll, aged 38, to kick off the ceremony.
Jelly Roll and Wynonna perform onstage during the 57th Annual CMA Awards Terry Wyatt/Getty Images
"I feel a responsibility to support others, just like how others have supported me," she shared with Entertainment Tonight at the red carpet. "It's now my turn to be generous, particularly towards people like Jelly Roll, who have been so generous with me."
In addition, Judd spoke candidly about her emotional performances, expressing, "Life has its ups and downs, and I'm simply sharing that with my fans. There are moments when I get overwhelmed and feel my mother's presence, causing me to pause, seek comfort from someone holding onto me, take a deep breath, and release my emotions. It's just a reflection of life's unpredictable nature."
Wynonna’s mother, Naomi Judd, died by suicide in April 2022. She was 76 years old.
Jelly Roll and Wynonna took the stage at the 57th Annual CMA Awards, as captured by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images.
"In a heartbreaking turn of events, our dear mother succumbed to the grip of mental illness," shared sisters Wynonna and Ashley Judd in a statement they penned together. "Our hearts are shattered, and we are engulfed in a deep sorrow. We are treading uncharted waters, seeking solace in the knowledge that her devoted fans loved her just as much as we did."
Four months following Naomi's demise, an autopsy report disclosed that the esteemed vocalist succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot injury. Subsequently, Wynonna openly discussed how she and Ashley, aged 55, forged a deeper bond following the tragic loss of their mother.
"We share this unspoken understanding, the reassurance of 'I've got your back,' you know? When we exchange glances, we affirm our unity with a resounding 'yes.' At present, our solidarity is stronger than it has been for quite some time," she expounded during her appearance on CBS Sunday Mornings in September 2022.
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