As the country music event of the summer took to the television airwaves Wednesday night (July 19), country’s biggest stars took the stage to celebrate the 50th anniversary of CMA Fest.
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One of country’s brightest, Jelly Roll, graced the stage at Nissan Stadium to the delight of the crowd, performing the lead single to his current album, Whitsitt Chapel. Written by Jelly Roll, Rob Ragosta, Joe Ragosta, and Austin Nivarel, “Need a Favor” has the Tennessee native singing about only calling on God when he needs a favor. I only talk to God when I need a favor / And I only pray when I ain’t got a prayer / So, who the hell am I, who the hell am I / To expect a Savior, oh / If I only talk to God when I need a favor? / But God, I need a favor / Amen, amen, he sings.
The past year had been a whirlwind for Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, who transitioned from rap star to country star with songs like, “Save Me” and “Son of a Sinner,” his first No. 1. The “Need a Favor” singer nominated for three awards during 2023 CMT Awards show – Breakthrough Male Video of the Year, Male Video of the Year, and CMT Digital-First Performance of the Year – and he took home all three wins.
“You couldn’t write a Cinderella story cooler than this, saying that I’ll have a headlining show at Bridgestone while I have a top 10 at country radio,” he told Billboard in conversation about his breakthrough year. “I look at it like it’s my introduction party to Nashville, even though I was born here.
“What I think I represent is just a beacon of hope,” he added. “I don’t look like the guy that you would’ve assumed would’ve made it [in country music].”
The three-hour concert special, which aired on ABC, featured a series of performances from the 50th anniversary of CMA Fest and included performances by Jelly Roll, Jason Aldean, Jo Dee Messina, Jordan Davis, Keith Urban, Leon Bridges, HARDY, Little Big Town, Luke Combs, Tanya Tucker, Vince Gill, Avril Lavigne, Cody Johnson, Carly Pearce, Darius Rucker, Eric Church, and more.
CORRECTION: We incorrectly stated that the CMA Fest special aired on Tuesday night (July 19). The correct day is Wednesday (July 19) and has been changed. American Songwriter regrets the error.
Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for CMA
