Jelly Roll Proclaims Jesus Transcends Politics in Grammy Speech
The 68th Grammy Awards celebrated significant achievements in music, introducing a new category: Best Contemporary Country Album. Jelly Roll emerged as the inaugural winner for his album, Beautifully Broken.
Jelly Roll’s Inspiring Acceptance Speech
During his acceptance speech, Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, expressed profound gratitude. He thanked his wife, Bunnie Xo, stating, “I’d have killed myself if it wasn’t for you and Jesus.” His touching message reflected on his past struggles, including a time spent in prison.
From Darkness to Light
“There was a time in my life when I was broken. That’s why I wrote this album,” he shared, highlighting how his challenges shaped his music. Jelly Roll’s heartfelt declaration emphasized his belief that music and faith could transform lives.
Jesus Transcends Politics
In a powerful moment, he proclaimed, “Jesus is for everybody. Jesus is not owned by one political party… Jesus is Jesus.” This statement resonated with many as he encouraged inclusivity in faith.
Competition and Recognition
Jelly Roll’s victory was notable, as he competed against talented artists, including:
- Kelsea Ballerini – Patterns
- Tyler Childers – Snipe Hunter
- Eric Church – Evangeline vs. the Machine
- Miranda Lambert – Postcards From Texas
In addition to this win, Jelly Roll took home another Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. He won for his collaboration, “Amen,” with Shaboozey.
A Message of Unity
Shaboozey dedicated their Grammy to the “children of immigrants,” highlighting the significance of diversity in America. He stressed the importance of cultural contributions, saying, “You give America color.”
Defining Contemporary Country Music
The creation of the Best Contemporary Country Album category aims to differentiate modern country sounds from traditional ones. This change follows the notable win of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter for Best Country Album in 2025.
In the Best Traditional Country Album category, nominees included:
- Margo Price – Hard Headed Woman
- Charley Crockett – Dollar a Day
- Willie Nelson – Oh What a Beautiful World
- Lukas Nelson – American Romance
- Zach Top – Winner for Ain’t in It for My Health
The Grammy Awards continue to evolve, celebrating the rich tapestry of music while highlighting the powerful messages artists like Jelly Roll convey through their work.
