Jelly Roll has done it again—serving up an emotional knockout with a performance that’s got fans reaching for the tissues. The country star is no stranger to wearing his heart on his sleeve, and his duet of Save Me with Lainey Wilson at the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards was nothing short of breathtaking. From the moment the first note hit, it was clear Tennessee’s beloved hitmaker was about to deliver something unforgettable.
While Jelly Roll’s raw vocals alone could have carried the performance to greatness, Wilson’s haunting harmonies elevated it to another level. The chemistry between the two artists turned Save Me into a soul-stirring masterpiece, and fans responded in a big way—racking up 12 million views on the performance.
Jelly Roll’s unfiltered honesty in his lyrics struck a chord with listeners, who flooded the comment section with their own personal stories. One fan wrote, “I’m not into country or religion, but if this song doesn’t move you, you have no soul.” Another confessed, “Every time Lainey steps in, I’m on the verge of tears. No other song does this to me.”
His ability to connect on such a deep level keeps fans coming back for more. And he’s not slowing down—Jelly Roll left audiences in awe yet again with his powerful performance of I Am Not OK on the 2024 The Voice finale.
Originally released on June 25, 2020, as part of his Self Medicated album, Save Me took on new life when Jelly Roll re-released it as a duet with Wilson on May 12, 2023, as part of Whitsitt Chapel. The song, co-written with Grant Sims and David Ray, was born from a dark chapter in Jelly Roll’s life—written during the depths of the pandemic while he was grieving his late father. Interestingly, he once told Howard Stern that The Rose by Bette Midler was a major inspiration for the song’s haunting melody.
With each performance, Jelly Roll continues to prove why he’s one of country music’s most powerful voices. Whether he’s belting out his struggles or lifting up fans with his heartfelt lyrics, one thing is certain—he’s not just making music, he’s making an impact.