The 2024 Country Music Awards aired live from the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, on Sunday, and showcased some big wins for Jelly Roll.
The 39-year-old fan-favorite walked into the awards show with three nominations, and managed to clinch wins for all of them, taking home the hardware for Video of the Year, Male Video of the Year, and CMT Performance of the Year. Lainey Wilson was the winner in the Female Video of the Year Category, for “Watermelon Moonshine.” Kelsey Ballerini, Cody Johnson, Jelly Roll, Lainey Wilson and Megan Moroney led this year’s nominations with three nods for each of the stars.
Giving @JellyRoll615 a standing ovation! He’s our CMT Performance of the Year WINNER! 🎤 #CMTAwards pic.twitter.com/WRxKnr473B
— CMT (@CMT) April 8, 2024
Jelly Roll’s mega-hit single, “Need a Favor” swept the show, and was the song that landed him the win in each of the three categories, along with a roaring standing ovation from the packed crowd.
The famous country singer won big for his gospel-assisted song, and gave a heartfelt speech after every major award win, as he reflected on the new course his life was taking.
You voted… and @JellyRoll615 IS OUR 2024 #CMTAWARDS WINNER OF VIDEO OF THE YEAR! 🎥 pic.twitter.com/uCHcemhQZW
— CMT (@CMT) April 8, 2024
“In that last year you changed my life in every way I never thought my life could be changed,” he said. The rapper-turned-country breakout star thanked his fans as he soaked in his first win.
The star, who had several run-ins with the law before rising to fame in the country music scene, has publicly spoken about overcoming his addiction issues. He touched on how much his success in this realm has meant to him, as he accepted his award.
Jelly Roll attends the 2024 CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 07, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for CMT
Jelly Roll accepts the CMT Performance of the Year Award for “Need a Favor” onstage during the 2024 CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 07, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Photo by Hubert Vestil/Getty Images
“I’m having one of the best nights of my life,” he said. Jelly Roll went on to talk about “second chances,” and how those with troubled pasts can transform their experiences. Remembering his roots, he addressed youth in juvenile detention centers, saying, “you can change, you can turn it all around.”
Jelly Roll attends the 2024 CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 07, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Photo by Hubert Vestil/Getty Images
Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO attend the 2024 CMT Music Awards at Moody Center on April 07, 2024 in Austin, Texas. Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT
“I once heard a man say that ‘you don’t change until the pain to remain the same is greater than the pain it takes to change,’ and that’s what it takes. I love you, Texas,” he said. (RELATED: Hilarious Video Shows Jelly Roll Sedated State Due To Oral Surgery)
Other big winners for the night included Dan + Shay for best Duo/Group Video of the Year for “Save Me the Trouble,” and Best Collaborative Video of the Year went to Carly Pearce featuring Chris Stapleton, for “We Don’t Fight Anymore.”