Jelly Roll's Grammys Speech Highlights Faith Over Politics

The country singer's acceptance speech focused on redemption and gratitude rather than divisive rhetoric.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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At the 2026 Grammy Awards, country singer Jelly Roll, also known as Jason DeFord, delivered an emotional acceptance speech that centered on his faith and personal redemption journey rather than political commentary. While other artists used their platform to make political statements, Jelly Roll chose to uplift his relationship with God, thank his wife for supporting his transformation, and express gratitude for the opportunity to share his 'Beautifully Broken' album.

Why it matters

Jelly Roll's speech stood out in contrast to the politically-charged rhetoric that often dominates award show moments. By focusing on his personal story of overcoming hardship through faith and love, he provided a unifying message that resonated beyond partisan divides.

The details

When accepting the award for Best Contemporary Country Album, Jelly Roll spoke candidly about his past struggles with the criminal justice system and suicidal thoughts. He credited his wife and his faith in Jesus for helping him turn his life around. Jelly Roll held up a small Bible, saying it and a radio were all he had during his time in a 6-by-8-foot prison cell, and that these two things 'could change my life.' He emphasized that 'Jesus is for everybody' and 'anybody can have a relationship with Him'.

  • Jelly Roll accepted the Best Contemporary Country Album award at the 2026 Grammy Awards ceremony held at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

The players

Jelly Roll

Also known as Jason DeFord, Jelly Roll is a country singer who won the Best Contemporary Country Album award at the 2026 Grammys. He spoke about his personal journey of redemption and faith during his acceptance speech.

Jesus

Jelly Roll repeatedly referenced his faith in Jesus and credited his relationship with God for helping him turn his life around.

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What they’re saying

“First of all, Jesus, I hear you, and I'm listening. Lord, I am listening, Lord. Second of all, I want to thank my beautiful wife. I would have never changed my life without you. I would have ended up dead or in jail. I would have killed myself if it wasn't for you and Jesus. I thank you for that.”

— Jelly Roll, Country Singer (tribtoday.com)

“There was a moment in my life that all I had was a Bible this big and a radio the same size, and a 6-by-8-foot cell. And I believe that those two things could change my life. I believe that music had the power to change my life, and God had the power to change my life. And I want to tell y'all right now, Jesus is for everybody. Jesus is not owned by one political party. Jesus is not owned by no music label. Jesus is Jesus, and anybody can have a relationship with Him. I love you, Lord.”

— Jelly Roll, Country Singer (tribtoday.com)

What’s next

Jelly Roll has hinted that he may speak more about rural politics and survival in the future, though he chose not to do so during his Grammys acceptance speech, preferring to focus on his personal journey of faith and redemption.

The takeaway

Jelly Roll's Grammys speech provided a refreshing contrast to the often politically-charged rhetoric at awards shows. By centering his faith, family, and personal transformation, he offered a unifying message that resonated beyond partisan divides and highlighted the power of redemption.