Country artist Jelly Roll enters the 2026 Grammy Awards season with renewed momentum, earning three nominations and expanding his presence into new musical categories, including contemporary Christian music and contemporary country album.
The nominations mark Jelly Roll’s third consecutive year being recognized by the Recording Academy. Among them is his first nod in Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” a collaboration with Christian singer Brandon Lake, and a nomination in the newly created Best Contemporary Country Album category for his 2024 release, “Beautifully Broken.”
“It’s definitely the greatest honor,” Jelly Roll said. “Everybody wants to be nominated for a Grammy.”
The recognition comes amid several career milestones. This week, the Nashville-based artist was invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry, a distinction long regarded as one of country music’s highest honors. He also continues a personal health transformation, which he described while speaking with AP during a workout.
“Endorphins are flying. I feel great,” he said.
“Beautifully Broken” reflects themes that have become central to Jelly Roll’s work.
“God wanted people to know you can still be beautiful and broken,” he said. “It’s truly my most meaningful album.”
Jelly Roll’s music frequently draws from his own history, including periods of incarceration and addiction. He has spoken openly about being tried as an adult for aggravated robbery at age 16 and later facing arrest for drug-related offenses in his early 20s. Those experiences now inform both his songwriting and his philanthropic efforts, which include advocacy for recovery programs, mental health awareness, and performances inside correctional facilities.
Reflecting on his artistic evolution, Jelly Roll said his music has grown beyond autobiography.
“When I first started doing this, I was just telling my story of my broken self,” he said. “By the time I got through it, I realized that my story was the story of many.”
Although Jelly Roll has resisted being labeled a Christian music artist, he credits his faith as a guiding force behind his recent work.
“He’s got my back,” he said, referring to God, and described the Grammy recognition for “Hard Fought Hallelujah” as affirmation that “God knows my heart.”
Lake said their collaboration reflects shared values.
“Country is largely about faith, freedom, and family, and those are all things I believe in,” Lake said.
Jelly Roll views the moment as part of a broader cultural shift.
“I think there really is a revival happening in America right now where people are being re-presented the gospel in a digestible way,” he said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
