During the 2024 Country Music Association Awards held at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 20, Jelly Roll and Brooks & Dunn delivered a touching performance of their song “Believe,” transforming the venue into a place of worship.
Kix Brooks accompanied the act on piano, while Ronnie Dunn shared vocal duties with Jelly Roll, known for his hit “Son of a Sinner.” The trio was backed by a full orchestra, enhancing the emotional impact of the performance. As the intensity of the song escalated, audience members, including fellow musicians, were seen raising their hands and shedding tears, reflecting the song’s powerful message.
The stage reverberated with heartfelt exchanges, such as Jelly’s lines, “I can’t quote the book/ Don’t know the chapter or the verse,” and Dunn’s poignant addition, “You can’t tell me this all ends/ In a slow ride in a hearse.” As the song concluded, Jelly Roll expressed his sentiments by pointing to the sky and saying, “I love you, Lord.”
The event, hosted by Peyton Manning, Luke Bryan, and Lainey Wilson, recognized the major artists, songs, and moments in country music from the past year. Both Jelly Roll and Brooks & Dunn received nominations, with Jelly competing for the entertainer of the year and male vocalist of the year awards, while Brooks & Dunn were nominated for vocal duo of the year.
Notably, Jelly Roll’s album “Whitsitt Chapel” was also nominated for album of the year, a category ultimately won by Cody Johnson for his project “Leather.”
This memorable performance not only showcased the talent of these artists but also reinforced the community and emotional connection within the country music genre. It serves as a beautiful reminder of the power of music to inspire, uplift, and bring people together in shared experience and devotion.
Summary: Jelly Roll and Brooks & Dunn captivated audiences at the 2024 CMA Awards with an emotional performance of “Believe,” turning the Bridgestone Arena into a heartwarming space of worship. Alongside other nominations, Jelly Roll vied for multiple awards, highlighting his rising impact in the country music scene.