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After starting off the jam-packed awards show with a soul-stirring version of 'Need A Favor' featuring Wynonna, Jelly Roll gave fans a second helping of the action to close out the 57th Annual CMA Awards, this time alongside fellow genre blending vocalist K. Michelle.
To kick off the show, Jelly Roll surprised fans by bringing vocal powerhouse, Wynonna, onto the stage to help him deliver a rousing rendition of his 2023 No. 1, ‘Need A Favor’.
Later on, Jelly Roll and K. Michelle emerged to provide a moving conclusion to the night's festivities, joining forces for The Judds' quintessential 'Love Can Build A Bridge'.
As a result, it felt apt that Wynonna Judd herself emerged during Jelly's opening performance, with the country icon concluding the stunning set with an a cappella roar.
This wasn't the first time Jelly and K. Michelle have partnered for ‘Love Can Build A Bridge’, with a studio version being included on the recently released ensemble album, A Tribute to the Judds.
For the evocative live performance, Jelly Roll and K. Michelle brought the entire Bridgestone Arena audience into beautiful unity as the whole building sung out "Love can build a bridge / Between your heart and mine / Love can build a bridge / Don't you think it's time?"
This ensured the 2023 CMA Awards ended on a high note, and exemplified the very best parts of country music, bringing together a multitude of people from all walks of life, if only for a minute, to share in our combined love of music and the stories it tells.
The underlying optimism of both performances felt fitting for country-rap trailblazer Jelly Roll. Since his first appearances in the country format, the song's message has rung true to his artistry, which often focuses and sheds light on the darker aspects of life.
However, in all of Jelly Roll's songs, there is a common thread of hope, redemption and love that's deeply woven into the tapestry of his art that has resonated with fans far and wide.
Jelly Roll was one of the most buzzed about artists heading into this year's CMA Awards, with the ‘Son of a Sinner’ songsmith taking home the prestigious gong for New Artist of the Year.
For Holler's full CMA Awards coverage, head here.
For more on the 2023 CMA Awards, see below:
Featured photo by Laura Ord
