Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson's Emotional "Save Me" Performance at the 2023 ACM Awards

Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson Deliver Powerful "Save Me" Performance at 2023 ACM Awards

One of the highlights of the 58th Academy of Country Music Awards held on May 11, 2023 was the live debut performance of "Save Me" by Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson. The emotional duet captivated the audience and resonated strongly with fans on social media.

The Significance of "Save Me"

"Save Me" is the lead single from Jelly Roll's upcoming album Ballads of the Broken. Penned by Jelly Roll and producer Watt Roscoe, the song is a vulnerable plea for help from addiction and despair. "Save me from myself, don't let me drown by myself," Jelly Roll cries out in the chorus. The stripped down piano ballad shows a different side of the usually energetic rapper.

For Jelly Roll, "Save Me" represents a cry for help during his journey to sobriety. As someone who has struggled with addiction for years, he channeled that pain into the song. "I was living in a hotel, estranged from my family, selling drugs, doing drugs, and writing songs literally to stay alive," he told Billboard.

Lainey Wilson Joins Jelly Roll for the Performance

Jelly Roll invited fellow country artist Lainey Wilson to join him for the 2023 ACM Awards performance of "Save Me." Their rendition was raw and emotional, with their voices blending beautifully together. Lainey provided soaring harmonies during the chorus as Jelly Roll poured his heart out.

Lainey Wilson has been vocal about her own experiences with depression and found the lyrics of "Save Me" deeply relatable. "The moment I heard it, I was all in ‘cause I related to it so much," she told CMT. Bringing her own struggles with mental health allowed her to deliver an authentic performance.

Jelly Roll's Breakout Year in Country Music

The 2023 ACM performance comes during a breakout year for Jelly Roll in the country music scene. He first gained attention after name-dropping prominent country singers in his viral hit "Son of a Sinner." In 2022, he released the album Ballads of the Broken, which incorporated country influences into his signature melodic rap style.

Hits like "Dead Man Walking" and "Creature" dominated country radio airplay charts. Jelly Roll's unique outlaw country image and captivating songwriting quickly won over fans. His vulnerable lyrics about addiction and life's struggles resonated strongly. He earned 4 nominations at the 2023 ACM Awards, including Album of the Year.

Powerful Audience Reactions on Social Media

The raw emotion poured into the "Save Me" performance elicited powerful reactions from fans online. Many cited it as one of the highlights of the 2023 ACM Awards broadcast. Viewers connected deeply with the song's themes of struggle and redemption.

Fans praised Jelly Roll and Lainey's chemistry and vocal abilities. "Not a dry eye in the house after that performance. Jelly Roll's voice was made for this song," one viewer tweeted. Others called it a "chills-inducing" and "career-defining" moment for the rapper.

Many country fans said "Save Me" inspired them in their own mental health journeys. "This song came into my life when I needed it most. Hearing it live was an experience I'll never forget," one comment read.

What's Next for Jelly Roll?

The viral success of the "Save Me" performance will likely boost anticipation for Jelly Roll's new album Ballads of the Broken. Slated for release later this year, it will contain raw confessional tracks dealing with addiction, trauma, and seeking redemption.

Jelly Roll plans to stay busy on the road for the remainder of 2023 as well. His current ACM Awards tour sees him headlining intimate theater venues to promote the new album. Fans can expect him to be a staple of major country music festivals too.

With his vulnerable songwriting and unique outlaw image, Jelly Roll has proven he is country music's most compelling new voice. The powerful "Save Me" performance on the ACM Awards stage cemented him as an artist that will continue impacting the genre for years to come.

FAQs

What song did Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson perform at the 2023 ACM Awards?

They performed Jelly Roll's emotional ballad "Save Me" live at the 2023 ACM Awards. It was the first live performance of the song.

What album will "Save Me" be featured on?

"Save Me" will be on Jelly Roll's upcoming album Ballads of the Broken, scheduled for release later in 2023.

How did fans react to the "Save Me" performance?

Fans praised it as one of the highlights of the 2023 ACM Awards. Many said it was a powerful, emotional performance that they connected with deeply.

Why was "Save Me" significant for Jelly Roll?

Jelly Roll wrote "Save Me" during his journey to sobriety. The vulnerable song represents a cry for help with his struggles with addiction.

What's next for Jelly Roll after this performance?

Jelly Roll plans to release his album Ballads of the Broken and continue touring throughout 2023. The viral "Save Me" moment will likely boost his success in country music.