When the Platform Isn’t Yours to Keep: Jelly Roll, Jesus, and the Power of Listening
Have you ever watched something unfolding and just thought, this matters? That’s how I felt watching Jelly Roll accept the award for Best Contemporary Country Album at the 2026 CMAs.
It wasn’t just his speech, or that he spoke the name of Jesus. It was the entire moment—from the second he stepped onto the platform until he walked off.
“I Know They’re Gonna Try to Kick Me Off Here…”
When Jelly Roll opened with, “I know they’re gonna try to kick me off here…” I don’t believe this was fear of being kicked off stage for mentioning Jesus. Those of us who’ve worked in live events, broadcasting, or award shows know time is tight, segments are timed, and producers are counting seconds.
That comment wasn’t about censorship. It was about recognizing he was aware and aiming to be respectful of the time he had been given, which shaped everything that followed.
“Jesus, I Hear You. I’m Listening, Lord.”
Instead of a rehearsed speech…he paused for a second and said:
“Jesus, I hear You. I’m listening, Lord. I’m listening, Lord.”
In a situation where seconds matter, he chose to surrender the opportunity to Jesus. By uttering that statement (a prayer, really) Jelly aligned himself with Jesus, and made it clear that this platform didn’t belong to him.
Gratitude, Grounded in Reality
Next, he thanked his wife, sharing that without her and Jesus, he’d likely be dead or in jail. He thanked his label, country radio, and then he shared his story of transformation. This is where I want to focus…👇
When Testimony Gets Judged Instead of Heard
Lately I’ve heard some Christian radio folks and Christian circles downplay Jelly Roll’s story. Some call it exaggerated, others question the sincerity, and some dismiss it altogether because of his style, language, and work.
When Jelly shared about that season in his life where all he had was a small Bible and a radio in jail, he talked about how those two things changed his life. He didn’t teach theology; he shared his own personal lived experience. He took this short opportunity to use one of the most powerful tools we have against the enemy. Our testimony.
…they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by their testimony…
Revelations 12.11
Who are we to pass judgement on someone else’s testimony?
“Jesus Is NOT Owned By…”
Then came the line that many need to hear:
“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.”
That’s not controversial…that’s clarity and truth. To put it mildly, Jesus is not a fan gatekeepers. He doesn’t need brand protection. He’s after a relationship with flawed people, which of course is all of us.
A Question We All Need to Sit With
As Jelly wrapped up, I noticed he didn’t say, “Look at me.” He didn’t promote himself. He pointed, clearly and repeatedly, to Jesus. Which leads to a hard but necessary question for us all:
Are we passing judgement on what we think we know…or listening for what God might be doing?
When Jelly spoke at the CMAs, what I saw was passion, urgency, and obedience in a short window of time that he had to tell the world about the One who has changed everything for him.
From Jelly Roll to Shaboozey: Are We Willing to Listen?
After watching the speech, my thoughts shifted quickly to another artist: Shaboozey.
Most people know him for “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” Recently, Josh from 55 Promotion told me about a new song of Shaboozey’s called “Amen” (a collaboration with Jelly Roll) and encouraged me to check it out. Once the song ended, I said “so many people are going to hear themselves in that song!” I knew afterwards I had to get my hands on that vinyl, as I’ve become a record fanatic. I went online to order Shaboozey’s record for my collection and was struck by something… the album title is:
“Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going.”
That title alone speaks volumes to me. Some stations, leaders, or Christians may choose not to engage with this song simply because of who the artist is. I want to challenge this and encourage us all to ask ourselves:
Is my decision rooted in discernment or in fear of perception?
What if before we start talking or making decisions, we press pause to say “Jesus, I hear You. I’m listening, Lord”? and ask for His decision.
What If God Is Moving Faster Than Our Comfort Zones?
I’m excited about what I see happening in the music industry. Not because everything is clean or packaged, but because I see boldness rising! Not boldness that condemns, or that draws lines. Boldness that says:
Jesus is for everybody.
Which brings me to my closing thought…
Do our lives, and the words we speak reveal a Jesus who is accessible, loving, and present? Or do they leave people feeling disqualified, condemned or unlovable…by a God who loves unconditionally?
Think about this. Moments, like Jelly Roll at the CMA, aren’t just about awards or platforms. They’re invitations and opportunities for us to share Jesus with the world. Are we willing to ask and listen to what Jesus is telling us to do?
Will we give Him the platform or will we make it our own?
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