Jelly Roll Delivers Emotional Surprise and Big Announcement at Music City Rodeo

Jelly Roll has never been one to hold back his gratitude, and Friday night at Nashville’s Music City Rodeo, he proved once again why fans love him, not just for the music, but for his heart.

Photo Credit: Tyler Conrad

As the Antioch native paused between songs, the energy inside the arena shifted. What began as a heartfelt moment of reflection quickly turned into a major announcement that sent shockwaves through the crowd: Jelly Roll will not play a Nashville show in 2026. But the reason behind the decision was anything but disappointing. He has set his sights on a historic goal, becoming the first artist to play the brand-new Nissan Stadium when it opens in 2027.

Before sharing the news, Jelly delivered a speech packed with emotion and authenticity, retracing his steps from local venues to national stardom.

“I was talking to my 17-year-old daughter,” he began, “and I told her I never thought I’d make it to play The Exit/In on Elliston Place, that little 500-person club. We ended up selling it out three times. Then we played Marathon Music Works. And then the Ryman Auditorium. That alone was more than I ever dreamed.”

But the real turning point came in 2022, when Jelly Roll took a leap of faith and booked Bridgestone Arena for what would be the first arena show of his career. “I would’ve never guessed that hometown show would launch me into playing 80 arenas across the U.S. and give me one of the biggest tours of the year,” he said, the crowd erupting in cheers.

The journey from Antioch, where he attended Lakeview Elementary, Cameron Middle School, and Antioch High School, to international stardom hasn’t dulled his sense of home. If anything, it’s sharpened it. “When I was sneaking into bars at 15, 16 years old, I never thought I’d have my own bar on that same street. I’ve never had an ID that didn’t say Tennessee on it,” he said. “I was born at Baptist Hospital. And when I die, they’re gonna bury me right here in Nashville, Tennessee.”

That kind of pride and loyalty to his roots is exactly why fans have elevated Jelly Roll from underdog to superstar. In a city filled with hopefuls, his rise has been defined by humility, honesty, and a relentless drive to give back to the community that raised him.

As for the decision to skip a hometown show next year, it’s clear Jelly is playing the long game. “With your help,” he told fans, “I want to be the first artist to ever play the new Nissan Stadium in 2027.”

Photo Credit: Tyler Conrad

For Jelly Roll, this isn't a step back, it’s a high-stakes leap forward. And judging by the roar of the crowd Saturday night, Nashville is more than ready to follow him into that next chapter.