Jelly Roll was thrilled to win New Artist of the Year at the 2023 CMA Awards and his acceptance speech is sure to motivate anyone who hears it. On Wednesday, November 8th, the "Son of a Sinner" singer hit the stage to accept his award and give an impassioned speech.
After shouting out fellow New Artist nominee Zach Bryan, Jelly Roll told the star-studded crowd at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena, "But most importantly, but here is something poetic about a 39-year-old man winning New Artist of The Year. I don't know where you're at in your life, or what you're going through, but I want to tell you to keep going." Jelly Roll kept his passionate speech going, "I want to tell you success is on the other side. I want to tell you it's gonna be okay." The Nashville native continued as the crowd cheered him on, "I want to tell you that the windshield is bigger than the rearview mirror for a reason because what's in front of you is so much more important than what's behind you. Let's party Nashville!"
The 57th annual CMA Awards are hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning for the second year in a row as the Country Music Association celebrates the artists, songwriters, and producers making waves in the country genre. Lainey Wilson led the nominations with an impressive nine nods making her the only artist to ever lead the nominations in her first two appearances on the final ballot. Behind her, Jelly Roll earned five nominations, and HARDY and Luke Combs earned four nominations each. Jordan Davis, Ashley McBryde, Chris Stapleton, and Morgan Wallen, also earned three nominations each. For the coveted Entertainer of the Year award, Combs, Stapleton, Wallen, Wilson, and Carrie Underwood are all nominated.
In addition to awards, A-listers will hit the stage to perform some of the biggest songs of the year including Kelsea Ballerini, Luke Combs, Dan + Shay, Jordan Davis, HARDY, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Little Big Town, Ashley McBryde, Megan Moroney, Carly Pearce, Old Dominion, Chris Stapleton, Morgan Wallen, The War and Treaty, Lainey Wilson, and Zac Brown Band. Other performers include Kenny Chesney, Alan Jackson, Mac McAnally, K. Michelle, Post Malone, and Tanya Tucker.