Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson’s Powerful ‘Save Me’ Duet Lights Up the Stage At iHeartRadio Music Awards

Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson represented country music at the 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards on Monday (April 1) at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. 

Their Performance Was A Highlight Of The Show

Jelly Roll and Wilson attended the show as both nominees and performers, joining forces for an emotional performance of their chart-topping collaboration, “Save Me,” during the show. 

Their stripped-back rendition of “Save Me” was a highlight of the star-studded event and showcased the country stars’ raw vocals and honest storytelling. The stage was beautifully lit by dozens of candles, matching the somber mood of the song. 

Jelly Roll kicked off the performance with the first verse, later introducing his “sister” Wilson as the winner of the iHeartRadio Country Song of the Year category. Moments later, the Louisisana native was seen sitting on the side of the stage, owning her moment in the spotlight as she sang the second verse. 

Together, they teamed up on the chorus as they made their way toward each other, meeting in the middle of the stage. They concluded their performance with a hug as Jelly Roll appeared to become a bit emotional in the moment. 

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“Save Me” was written by Jelly Roll (Jason DeFord) with David Ray Stevens, produced by Zach Crowell and David Ray Stevens, and recorded by Jelly Roll with Lainey Wilson. The song reached the top of the charts in December, marking Jelly Roll’s third No.1 single and WIlson’s fourth (on the Billboard Country Airplay chart). 

Jelly Roll Named Best New Artist For Country And Pop

Jelly Roll was also a big winner at the iHeartRadio Music Awards as he was named Best New Artist in both Country and Pop. During his acceptance speech, Jelly Roll reflected on his time as a young kid listening to the radio and admitted that he’s still in disbelief over his success.  

“I remember being a kid in the backseat of the car with my brothers. I had three older brothers and an older sister, and all we did was ride around and listen to the radio and we sung every single word,” he shared. “I never would’ve dreamed I would be one of the voices coming through your radio and to be the Best New Country Artist to represent country music and the Best New Pop artist, you don’t know what this means to a kid like me!” 

He continued, “I was thinking about it. What does it mean when a guy like me has the opportunity to be the new pop artist of the year at iHeart Radio’s Award? It means that God will always use the least likely messenger with the biggest message every single time you can take it to the bank.”

He closed his speech by giving shoutouts to his wife, Bunnie XO, and daughter Bailee Ann. 

Red Carpet Looks

Ahead of their “Save Me” performance and bit wins, Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson arrived to the red carpet in style. Jelly Roll appeared alongside his wife, Bunnie XO, and Wilson arrived solo. Both donned black ensembles with small pops of metallic. 

The 2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards also featured performances by Tate McRae, Green Day, TLC, and more. Additionally, Cher was honored with the 2024 iHeartRadio Icon Award and Beyoncé received the Innovator Award.