
At the star-studded 2024 CMT Music Awards this past Sunday, Jelly Roll, the tattooed dynamo who made a striking transformation from rapper to country sensation, made headlines with his commanding performance and mammoth win of three top-tier awards, earning his place in the country music pantheon.
One of the awards was handed for his electrifying performance at the 2023 CMT Music Awards, where he made his debut awards performance, a soulful rendition of “Need a Favor.” The gospel-tinged essence of the track resonated deeply with the judges, landing him the coveted CMT Performance of the Year. Jelly Roll dedicated his heartfelt acceptance speech to praise his unanticipated journey as an artist.
Then, winning the Male Video of the Year and the grand prize of the evening, Video of the Year for “Need a Favor,” only served to validate his rising status as a country music superstar.
In true charismatic fashion, Jelly Roll took the podium to accept his awards, delivering an inspiring speech at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas, where he encouraged others, specifically youth in juvenile detention, to hold on to hope for second chances, a testament, perhaps, to his own turn-around story.
Kelsea Ballerini, proved a charming host, serving as the ceremony’s master of ceremonies for the fourth consecutive year. Attendees were equally awed by the surprise duet of Melissa Etheridge and Ballerini on Etheridge’s timeless number, “Come To My Window.”
The illustrious night also witnessed impressive victories by Carly Pearce and Chris Stapleton, who collectively secured the Collaborative Video of the Year for “We Don’t Fight Anymore.” Whereas, Ashley Cooke and Warren Zeiders earned their inaugural CMT awards, for Breakthrough Female and Male Video of the Year respectively.
The event was resplendent in its showcasing of the best of country music with live performances that kept the audience on their feet. Highlights included performances by Cody Johnson, Jason Aldean, Megan Moroney, NEEDTOBREATHE and Jordan Davis, among others.
Lainey Wilson, another prominent artist whose performances captivated spectators, was awarded the Female Video of the Year for “Watermelon Moonshine.” An impassioned Wilson graciously expressed gratitude for the unwavering support shown towards women in country music, and being one herself, the victory seemed doubly sweet.
The night also marked a historic reunion of Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush of Sugarland, who upon their return to the CMT stage after a decade, delighted fans with a collaborative performance with Little Big Town.
The decidedly emotional peak of the event was the presentation of the June Carter Cash Humanitarian Award to Trisha Yearwood. A highly celebrated country star who has tirelessly contributed to several charitable causes, Yearwood humbly accepted the award named after a woman she passionately admired.
The night turned bittersweet when a moving tribute was paid to Toby Keith, a revered country music legend who passed away too soon. The auditorium resonated with applause and silent tears as artists, including Ashley McBryde and Jelly Roll, raised their red cups in memory of the late singer.
A fitting testament to Toby Keith’s remarkable spirit, the night of commemoration ended with a toast raised by Keith’s dear friend, baseball pro Roger Clemens. Echoing Keith’s famous line. “Whiskey for my men, and beer for my horses,” Clemens called for a collective toast that served as a perfect homage to the late country music legend, with a touch of humor and a whole lot of heart.
The electric 2024 CMT Awards were indeed a night to remember, celebrating the very best in country music, ensuing victories, heartwarming moments, and paying respects to a departed legend.