Lil Nas X’s “Jolene” Brought Him Back To His Country Roots

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While Lil Nas X has made it his ultimate goal to collaborate with every member of the Cyrus family – saying he will not rest until he has “collected every Cyrus stone to harness the ultimate power” – the Grammy winner took a short detour and went back into his country bag to cover one of the greatest hits by Miley’s godmother. 

During his visit to BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge to celebrate his new album Montero, which he released on Friday (September 17) via Columbia Records, Lil Nas X graced everyone with a soulful rendition of Parton’s 1973 Hot Country Songs No. 1 hit “Jolene.”

RELATED: Dolly Parton’s Jolene: The Fascinating Story Behind The Song

With the aid of a small band, the heartfelt growl in Lil Nas X’s voice echoed from the sequined microphone and its flower-covered stand – staying true to the country superstar’s original recording. 

Lil Nas X described “Jolene” as a song that’s “kind of like beautifully sad,” adding that he likes the country twang in it, so there’s no way he would miss the opportunity to try it out.

Of course, we got to hear brand-new Lil Nas X songs from his album Montero, too, as he performed “That’s What I Want” and “Dead Right Now.”  

Lil Nas X revealed that making Montero was a vulnerable experience for him. He explained that fans would get a lot of stories about his past as well as where he wants to be in his love life from his new album. “I feel like I finally found a great balance between being as real as possible within my music and making a hit song,” he said.

And while he’s moving into another direction, Lil Nas X hasn’t lost his touch when it comes to belting out with a bit of twang in his voice. Check out Lil Nas X’s cover of “Jolene” below, and see it for yourself. 

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