Jelly Roll Makes ‘SNL’ Debut With ‘Fantastically Damaged’ Songs


Jelly Roll‘s charmed ascent to superstardom continued last night (Sept. 28) when he served as the musical guest on the first episode of the 50th anniversary season of NBC’s Saturday Night Live. The tattooed artist’s performance of “Liar” was introduced by host Jean Smart and surprise guest Hannah Einbender, both of whom star in Hacks.

Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, later played “Winning Streak,” which like “Liar” is set to appear on his new album, Beautifully Broken. The project will be released Oct. 11.

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Having already won best new artist at last year’s Country Music Association awards, Jelly Roll is nominated for both entertainer and male vocalist of the year at the 2024 edition, which will take place Nov. 20. Driven by the success of his 2023 Whitsitt Chapel, his profile has risen significantly over the course of the year, thanks to appearances in commercials, at the Emmy Awards and even WrestleMania, where he wielded a steel chair and delivered a choke slam to wrestler Austin Theory.

Jelly Roll’s tour in support of Beautifully Broken continues tonight in Newark, N.J., and has dates on tap through Nov. 23 in Jacksonville, Fl. He will also co-headline the 2025 edition of the Stagecoach festival in Indio, Ca., alongside Zach Bryan and Luke Combs.

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