Jelly Roll Has Emmys Fans in Tears With an “In Memoriam” Performance for the Ages

Just over a year into his country music breakout, Jelly Roll has perfected the art of tugging on listeners’ heartstrings. Whitsitt Chapel, his 2023 genre debut, served as a balm for millions of aching souls. And the East Tennessee native’s latest single, “I Am Not Okay,” is helping TikTok users fight the stigma around depression and other mental health issues.

So in other words, those watching Sunday’s (Sept. 15) 76th Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony knew to grab their tissues when Jelly took the stage for the night’s “In Memoriam” performance.

Jelly Roll Emotionally Delivers at the Emmys

“One thing is for sure, Jelly Roll has a beautiful voice. Period. And I liked that meaningful song he sang tonight on the Emmys,” wrote one fan. “Thought this was a lovely tribute, especially for those of us who’ve lost someone & know the heartbreaking struggle that can mean for those of us left behind. Jelly Roll‘s such a wonderful, genre-crossing performer,” another viewer added.

Currently, in the midst of his Beautifully Broken Tour, Jelly Roll made a pit stop at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles. And as expected, the “Need a Favor” hitmaker brought the crowd to tears with his performance. Pictures of TV and film legends who have died in 2024—Shelley Duvall, James Earl Jones, and Shannen Doherty—flashed across the screen behind him.

“He is literally stepping off tour for a day and going right back on the road when he’s done,” executive producer Dionne Harmon told Variety. “So, we’re so grateful to him.”

[RELATED: 3 Jelly Roll Songs that Will Be Heard Forever]

Music director Rickey Minor encouraged viewers to keep “tons of tissues” on hand for Jelly Roll’s performance.

“I think that his decision of what particular song to do will touch everyone,” Minor said. “I cry every time I hear it.”

The GRAMMY nominee will return to the road Tuesday (Sept. 17) in Orlando, Florida.

Country Music With a “Purpose”

Jelly Roll will release Beautifully Broken, the hotly-anticipated follow-up to 2023’s Whitsitt Chapel, on Oct. 11. If the singles “I Am Not Okay,” “Liar,” and “Get By” are any indication, fans should strap in for another emotional rollercoaster.

“I’m looking for songs that have purpose,” said the “Save Me” singer, 39, in an interview with The New York Times magazine last month.

Indeed, the country star’s 10th studio album has a purpose far bigger than sales or streaming. Jelly (born Jason Deford) has pledged to donate all net profits from each pre-order of the album on his site to various organizations helping individuals who struggle with mental health and addiction.

Featured image by John D Shearer/Shutterstock

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