Celebrate the Heart of Country, Americana, and Roots Music!

Drop Us A Line, Y'all

Y'all interested in advertising, partnering up, contributing stories, joining our team, or just got a question? Well, don't be shy, drop us a line!

Follow Us

Jelly Roll And Wynonna Judd Kicked Off the 2023 CMA Awards

Jelly Roll and Wynonna Judd Open 2023 CMA Awards
by
  • Riley is a Senior Country Music Journalist for Country Thang Daily, known for her engaging storytelling and insightful coverage of the genre.
  • Before joining Country Thang Daily, Riley developed her expertise at Billboard and People magazine, focusing on feature stories and music reviews.
  • Riley has a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from Belmont University, with a minor in Cultural Studies.

Jelly Roll kicked off the 2023 CMA Awards ceremony on Wednesday (November 8) at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and was joined by a very special guest!

The breakout country star from Antioch, Tennessee, opened the show with a rousing performance of his hit song, “Need a Favor.” The stage behind him is decorated like a church, while a gospel choir backs him up. Midway through the track, fans were delighted when Wynonna Judd came out on stage to join Jelly Roll for the first chorus.

The star-studded audience is evidently enjoying the performance as the two traded lines for the power ballad about forgiveness and repentance. 

There’s famous couple Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban nodding along, while Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes are seen singing, clapping, and dancing. Post Malone was also shown rocking out as Jelly Roll, and Wynonna Judd wowed the crowd with their performance.

Jelly Roll released “Need A Favor” in 2022 as the lead single from his album Whitsitt Chapel. The song then ranked No. 1 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart.

Jelly Roll Is Clearly Becoming A Favorite In Country Music

Jelly Roll has only been a part of country music for a brief time, but it’s clear that he’s becoming one of the genre’s favorites. In fact, he is the CMA Awards‘ most nominated male performer this year, even though this is just his first nomination. 

Jelly Roll actually has nods in five categories, including Male Vocalist of the Year and New Artist of the Year. His hit song “Need a Favor” is also up for Single of the Year and Video of the Year. Meanwhile, his song “Save Me,” which features country singer Lainey Wilson, earned a nomination for Musical Event of the Year.

Anyway, you can watch Jelly Roll and Wynonna Judd’s performance of “Need a Favor” by playing the video below.

Latest Stories

Mary MacGregor performs "Torn Between Two Lovers" live in the 1970s, holding a microphone with a soft, emotional expression that captures the song’s quiet heartbreak.

“Torn Between Two Lovers” Might Be the Most Soft-Spoken Cheating Song Country Music Ever Adopted

In a decade full of outlaw anthems, trucking songs, and Conway Twitty slow burns, nobody saw this one coming. Released at the tail end of 1976, “Torn Between Two Lovers” ...

WWII Marine Corps veteran Don Graves, age 100, sits in a Nashville recording studio wearing a military hat and red shirt, having just signed his first country music record deal.

This WWII Veteran Just Signed His First Country Record Deal at 100 Years Old

There are country songs, and then there are country lives. Don Graves didn’t just live through one of the bloodiest battles in American history. He came home, built a life, ...

Split image of Toby Keith and Blake Shelton performing with guitars; highlights the backstory of how Shelton’s label passed on “I Wanna Talk About Me,” which became a massive hit for Keith.

Blake Shelton’s Label Rejected “I Wanna Talk About Me” and Toby Keith Turned It Into a Monster Hit

Every artist’s got one: the song that got away. For Blake Shelton, it just happens to be one of Toby Keith’s biggest bangers. Blake recently dropped by The Tonight Show ...

Split image of Zach Bryan performing live on stage with guitar and John Moreland playing guitar in a studio; reflects their public feud following a canceled collaboration.

Folk Musician John Moreland Says Zach Bryan Was Rude, a D*head, and Not Who You Think

Well, the gloves are off in Oklahoma. What started as a cryptic shot from Americana singer-songwriter John Moreland has now turned into a full-blown fallout with country megastar Zach Bryan, ...

Carrie Underwood appears as a judge on American Idol, amid speculation she may not return next season—not because of backlash, but because she knows she belongs on the stage, not behind the desk.

American Idol Was Renewed but Carrie Underwood Might Not Return for the Right Reasons

Carrie Underwood isn’t the problem with American Idol. In fact, she may have been the best thing that happened to the show this season. But if the rumors are true ...

Garth Brooks' Mississippi lawsuit was dismissed but the California case continues.

Garth Brooks’ Mississippi Lawsuit Is Over, But the California Case Is Just Getting Started

A Mississippi judge has dismissed Garth Brooks’ lawsuit against his former hairdresser as “moot,” ending one chapter of an ongoing legal battle. But don’t let that ruling fool you. The ...

George Strait, seen performing with his signature black cowboy hat and guitar, recently revealed he may only have five years left on the road

George Strait Says He Has “Maybe Five Good Years” Left to Tour and That Sound You Hear Is a Million Hearts Breaking

You never want to imagine a world where George Strait isn’t somewhere on a stage, guitar slung over his shoulder, letting the steel ring through the rafters while the crowd ...

Carrie Underwood speaks passionately as a guest judge on American Idol, wearing a floral purple outfit, while fans react online to her controversial critique.

Carrie Underwood Faces Idol Backlash After Fans Call Her Critique Rude and Unfair

Carrie Underwood knows a thing or two about American Idol pressure, but some viewers think she brought the wrong kind of heat this week. After Sunday and Monday’s Top 5 ...

Vince Gill smiles while playing guitar onstage at the Grand Ole Opry as his granddaughter Everly and daughter Jenny Gill join him, creating a touching three-generation family moment.

Vince Gill’s Granddaughter Everly Steals the Show with Surprise Grand Ole Opry Debut

There’s legacy, and then there’s bloodline. And when you’re Vince Gill’s granddaughter, stepping onto the Grand Ole Opry stage isn’t just a “moment”, it’s a birthright. On Saturday, May 3, ...

George Strait pays tribute to Johnny Rodriguez following the late singer’s passing.

George Strait Honors Late Country Legend Johnny Rodriguez With a Heartfelt Tribute

Country music legend Johnny Rodriguez, one of the genre’s most groundbreaking voices and its first major Mexican American star, died Friday, May 9, in San Antonio at 73. His daughter, ...