Jelly Roll Earns Five CMA Awards Nominations As First-Time Nominee: ‘This Is Unreal’

Jelly Roll joined the ranks of Garth Brooks, Johnny Cash, and more as he landed five nominations for the 2023 CMA Awards as a first-time nominee.

Following behind his “Save Me” duet partner Lainey Wilson who leads CMA Awards nominees, the genre-bending star earned five nominations, including Single Of The Year (“NEED A FAVOR”), Male Vocalist Of The Year, Musical Event Of The Year (“Save Me” with Lainey Wilson) and Music Video Of The Year (“NEED A FAVOR”).

With his five nods, Jelly Roll joins Brooks, Cash, Maren Morris, Willie Nelson and Gretchen Wilson who also received five nods in a first appearance on the Final Ballot. According to the Country Music Association (CMA), the record for most nominations in a debut year is six, with Glen Campbell, Kacey Musgraves, Brad Paisley and Lainey Wilson holding the current record.

“I Couldn’t Control Myself”

Upon hearing the news of his nominations, Jelly Roll took to social media to share his reaction with fans. 

“It is known as Country Music’s biggest night. It literally doesn’t get any bigger than this and I have 5 nominations,” the “Need a Favor” singer began. “I couldn’t control myself when I got the news .. everything about this is unreal.”

Jelly Roll went on to admit that no matter what happens during the upcoming CMA Awards broadcast, the nominations alone are a win in his eyes. 

“The truth is being nominated is already a win for me. Just being recognized by my peers and by the industry for the work we put in is amazing, especially for my people, this is a win for all the underdogs and forgotten,” he wrote. “These are the moments I hope my people are the most proud of, that I have taken our message to the masses without compromise and have been embraced.” 

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In closing, Jelly Roll added, “Thank you to CMA’s. This is magical and you can bet the farm that my wife and I will show up dressed to impress yet trashy as ever – see y’all November 8th.”

Fans can tune into the 2023 CMA Awards in November to see if Jelly Roll will take home the trophies. Co-hosted by country superstar Luke Bryan and National Football League Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, the 57th Annual CMA Awards will air live from Nashville on Wednesday, November 8 at 8/7c on ABC.

An Incredible Year

2023 has been a milestone year for Jelly Roll so far. In January, he earned his very first No.1 at country radio with “Son Of A Sinner.” He followed that up with “Need A Favor,” which topped the charts in August. 

Debut Country Album

This summer, he released his debut country album, WHITSITT CHAPEL. The project, named after the church the Antioch native grew up attending, debuted at No.2 on the Billboard Country Album Chart and in the Top 3 on the Billboard 200 all-genre chart with 90,000 album equivalents.

“This album is about growth and gratitude happening in my life. 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,” Jelly Roll previously shared in a statement.

On Tour

In support of the album, Jelly Roll launched his  Backroad Baptism Tour, which has been playing to capacity crowds since it kicked off on Friday, July 28. The trek runs through Saturday, October 14, when it will wrap up in Tampa, Florida at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre.

Ashley McBryde, Caitlynne Curtis, Chase Rice, Elle King, Merkules, Struggle Jennings, Three 6 Mafia, and Yelawolf will appear as special guests on select dates of the nearly sold-out tour.

In the midst of his headlining tour, Jelly Roll will also serve as support on several dates of Eric Church’s The Outsiders Revival Tour. 

Meanwhile, “Save Me,” Jelly Roll’s current single featuring Lainey Wilson was the most-added song at country radio this week, paving the way for yet another chart-topping radio hit.