This year’s CMA Awards saw Jelly Roll shatter two myths: his new Artist of the Year trophy and viewer expectations.
The “Son of a Sinner” singer, 39, reportedly had little opportunity to get to know his honorary glass statue before it fell out of his hands and shattered on the floor during the ceremony held Wednesday, Nov. 8, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena. This information was revealed in a tweet shared by ABC’s On the Red Carpet and reposted by the singer himself. The tweet included a picture of the damaged award along with the message, “Don’t worry, he will get a replacement.”
Billboard has confirmed that the country music star did, in fact, drop his award; however, they have also discovered that, because winners aren’t announced in advance, the trophies used backstage are generic. The real trophy for Jelly Roll will be delivered to him later.
Shortly after Jelly was named the new artist of the year, he gave an impassioned speech to her fans, announcing her good fortune. “A 39-year-old man winning new artist of the year has a certain poetic quality,” he remarked. “I want to tell you to keep going, baby. I don’t know where you’re at in life or what you’re going through.”
“I want to tell you that success is waiting for you on the other side,” he said, getting louder. I want to reassure you that everything will work out. I want you to know that there’s a reason the windshield is larger than the rearview mirror: what’s in front of you matters far more than what’s behind you.
The “Save Me” singer was nominated for five awards, including New Artist of the Year. Along with Wynona Judd, he performed the song “Need a Favor” at the CMAs, and he was nominated for single of the year, music video of the year, male vocalist of the year, and musical event of the year.
In addition, the singer-rapper is a finalist for multiple 2023 Billboard Music Awards categories, including top new artist and top rock artist. On November 19, the BBMAs will stream via BBMAs.watch as well as the Billboard and BBMAs social media channels.
Check out Jelly Roll’s broken CMA trophy below: