Country music artist Jelly Roll has received three nominations for the upcoming 2026 Grammy Awards, recognizing his work on the album Beautifully Broken and two collaborative tracks. The nominations place him in contention for some of the most significant awards in both country and contemporary Christian music.
In a video message shared with fans, the musician also revealed a significant change in his personal appearance, having shaved his signature beard for the first time in years. He shared his emotional reaction to the industry recognition, tying his success to his faith and personal journey.
Key Takeaways
- Jelly Roll secured three 2026 Grammy nominations, including Best Contemporary Country Album for Beautifully Broken.
- His collaboration with Shaboozey, "Amen," is nominated for Best Country Duo/Group Performance.
- A third nomination is for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song for "Hard Fought Hallelujah" with Brandon Lake.
- The artist shared his reaction in a video, also debuting a new look after shaving his beard.
A Trio of Prestigious Nominations
The Recording Academy announced its list of nominees, with Jelly Roll featured prominently in three distinct categories. His album, Beautifully Broken, will compete for Best Contemporary Country Album. This is a highly competitive category, with other nominees including Kelsea Ballerini for Patterns, Tyler Childers for Snipe Hunter, Eric Church for Evangeline vs. the Machine, and Miranda Lambert for Postcards from Texas.
Beyond his solo work, Jelly Roll's collaborative efforts were also recognized. His track "Amen" with fellow artist Shaboozey earned a nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. This nod highlights his ability to successfully partner with other prominent names in the genre.
His third nomination crosses genre lines, acknowledging his work in inspirational music. The song "Hard Fought Hallelujah," a collaboration with Brandon Lake, is up for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song. This recognition underscores the artist's broad appeal and the diverse themes present in his music.
An Emotional and Personal Reaction
Following the announcement, Jelly Roll released a video on his YouTube channel to share his thoughts directly with his audience. Visibly moved, he expressed deep gratitude for the nominations, attributing his success to a higher power.
"When I look at these nominations, all I see is God," he stated in the video. "I want to cry. Wow, country album of the year. It’s not even about the album or the nom. It’s about the name."
The artist acknowledged that while some in the industry have complex feelings about award shows, he felt a profound sense of accomplishment. He emphasized that the recognition itself was a victory, regardless of the final outcome.
"Win, lose, or draw, holy fuck, dude, we won," he said. "I know a lot of artists give the Grammys a lot of shit, but the truth is I feel honored."
Industry Insight
Industry experts have taken note of Jelly Roll's significant impact. Claire Heinichen, a Senior Editor for Country at Spotify, described his unique ability to resonate with a wide audience. "His superpower is how he connects with people," she noted. "He’s managed to make a mark across generations, which makes him an obvious winner to me."
A New Look and a Candid Moment
The video also served as a debut for a new personal look. For the first time in many years, the artist appeared without his well-known full beard. He addressed the change with humor and candor, directly engaging with his fans about his appearance.
"By now, you have probably figured out that I look like a Ninja Turtle," he joked. He then offered a more serious explanation, linking his former appearance to a period of his life when he was heavier.
"I was so obese, it was easier to cover what was happening here," he explained, gesturing to his face. This moment of vulnerability was met with positive feedback from his followers, who praised his honesty about his personal health journey.
The Significance of 'Beautifully Broken'
The album Beautifully Broken has been praised for its raw and honest storytelling, which touches on themes of redemption, struggle, and faith. Jelly Roll has described the project as a reflection of "what’s happening in the world right now." Its nomination for Best Contemporary Country Album is seen by many as a validation of music that speaks to real-life challenges and triumphs, a style that has become the artist's signature.
A Rising Force in Music
These three Grammy nominations mark a significant milestone in Jelly Roll's career, cementing his status as a major force in the music industry. His ability to blend genres and connect with listeners on a deeply personal level has set him apart.
Industry publications like Rolling Stone had previously predicted that Beautifully Broken would be a strong contender for the Contemporary Country Album award. The official nominations confirm that the voting members of the Recording Academy share that sentiment.
As the 2026 Grammy Awards approach, the focus will be on whether Jelly Roll can convert these nominations into wins. However, as the artist himself has made clear, the recognition from his peers and the connection with his audience already feel like the ultimate victory.