Jelly Roll and K. Michelle Close The 2023 CMA Awards With A Tribute To The Judds

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Jelly Roll is on a roll lately, as he released his first country album Whitsitt Chapel this summer and just wrapped up his Backroad Baptism tour which raised nearly $600k for at-risk youth. His successes this year earned him an impressive five nominations and a win for New Artist of the Year at the 57th Annual CMA Awards. 

 

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The rapper-turned-country singer has quickly gained the attention of fans with his unconventional appearance and raw song lyrics that do not shy away from the mistakes and hardships of his past. Jelly Roll regularly collaborates with artists from across genres including Lainey Wilson, Cody Johnson, Jessie Murph, Yelawolf, and more. This trend continued with his performance at the CMA Awards tonight (Nov 8th). 

Jelly Roll was joined by K. Michelle for a passionate performance of “Love Can Build A Bridge.” 

Jelly Roll and hip hop artist K. Michelle honored The Judds at the CMA Awards with a moving performance of “Love Can Build A Bridge.” Many audience members were moved to tears as the song tugged on the heartstrings of those still grieving the loss of Naomi Judd, who passed in May of last year. 

“Love Can Build A Bridge” was written by Naomi Judd, Paul Overstreet, and John Barlow Jarvis, and was originally released in 1990. The song emphasizes the importance of standing together, crooning, “When we stand together / It’s our finest hour / We can do anything (anything), anything (anything) / Keep believin’ in the power.” 

The poignant lyrics provide powerful commentary in a time of much division in society and the metaphor of a bridge was complimented beautifully by the pairing of two artists from separate genres to perform the duet. 

Jelly Roll and K. Michelle recorded their rendition of “Love Can Build A Bridge” along with the Fisk Jubilee Singers for the recently released album A Tribute To The Judds. 

Watch Jelly Roll and K. Michelle perform The Judds’ “Love Can Build A Bridge” at the CMA Awards in the video below!