NEWS
Jelly Roll offered up a surging, open-hearted performance of his song “Halfway to Hell” during his Tuesday night (Oct. 3) performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
Like many of the other songs on his album Whitsitt Chapel (released on BBR Music Group), Jelly Roll sings of the struggle between harmful vices and being his best self–or as he sings on “Halfway to Hell,” it’s the struggle between “a bottle and a Bible.”
“I’m a rolling stone disciple with a cross across my face,” he sang passionately, pointing to his signature cross tattooed on his cheek.
On social media, Jelly Roll offered his gratitude for the opportunity to perform, saying, “What an incredible experience this was–thank you Jimmy Fallon for having me–this was unreal.”
Over the past year, Jelly Roll has notched two No. 1 Country Airplay hits, with “Son of a Sinner” and “Need a Favor.” He was also Billboard‘s cover star for its 2023 Country Power Players issue, and performed and spoke during Billboard‘s inaugural Billboard Country Live in Concert event in Nashville earlier this year.
He has earned armfuls of awards wins and nominations from the CMT Music Awards, the upcoming CMA Awards and the inaugural People’s Choice Country Awards. Jelly Roll has five nominations leading up to the CMA Music Awards, including musical event of the year, single of the year, music video of the year, and new artist of the year and male vocalist of the year.
In addition to his own music, Jelly Roll has been a king of collaborations of late, teaming with Lainey Wilson for “Save Me,” but also joining Dustin Lynch on “Chevrolet,” a song from Lynch’s new album. Jelly Roll also joins Craig Morgan on a version of “Almost Home” on Morgan’s upcoming album. His collaboration with Jessie Murph, “Wild Ones,” will release Oct. 6.
See Jelly Roll’s performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon below.
Zara Larsson has indicated that she may have cancelled her December 3 appearance at the Formula One Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The singer initially confirmed that she would not attend, before removing the comment and sharing a more detailed explanation of why the performance no longer feels right for her.
The Swedish star was scheduled to take the stage at Etihad Live on Yas Island during the Yasalam After-Race Concerts. Zara and Lewis Capaldi were due to launch the weekend’s entertainment. However, supporters encouraged her to reconsider the booking because of concerns surrounding the United Arab Emirates’ reported connections to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary organisation accused of committing atrocities during the nation’s civil conflict.
A fan commented: “Please read about what UAE is doing to Sudan then cancel your Abu Dhabi show!” Zara responded: “I will not be going to Abu Dhabi.” Fans later realised that both comments had been removed.
She then shared that she had been considering what it means for her, as an artist, to perform in particular countries.
The Midnight Sun singer explained: “I think about that a lot in my life as an artist… I wanna perform and spread joy and music for people in every country, because no single person is their government.
“I’ve met so many wonderful people from every corner of the world and I know this to be true in my heart. I love people, and I love my fans soooo much.”
Zara acknowledged that her original comment “maybe came off as an impulsive response,” but explained that she had given the booking serious thought. She now believes withdrawing is the decision that “aligns with me the most right now, for many different personal reasons beyond politics.”
She continued: “Maybe I’ll delete both comments and do a better statement soon. I hope to sing with you in the beautiful future!”
