Jelly Roll Named Country Artist of the Year

Nashville native Jelly Roll is riding high after scoring a major honor at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards. The genre-blending country artist (real name Jason DeFord) was crowned Country Artist of the Year at the star-studded awards ceremony in Los Angeles.

Jelly Roll, who grew up in Antioch, beat out some of Country’s biggest names to earn the title—capping a meteoric rise over the past year fueled by his soulful hit songs and candid backstory. “I am absolutely honored… to win Country Artist of the Year is just unbelievable,” the humbled singer said in a video acceptance speech to fans. The iHeart awards also named newcomer Shaboozey as Best New Country Artist, marking a big night for Nashville talent on the national stage. Jelly Roll’s win follows his breakthrough on country radio and a sold-out hometown show earlier this month. Local music insiders note that his cross-genre appeal—from country to hip-hop—represents the evolving Nashville sound.

Mayor Freddie O’Connell even congratulated Jelly Roll on social media, calling him “a true Music City success story.” With this award now under his belt, the tattooed troubadour’s journey from struggling local rapper to country superstar continues to inspire many. (Source: MusicRow, Music Mayhem)

Tags: #Nashville #Jelly Roll #Awards #Country Music #iHeartRadio

Wendy Huffman is the Editor of the WBN News Nashville Edition & Founder & Owner of The Brilliant Edge Agency, delivering premier executive search and staffing solutions to help businesses secure top talent using the DREAM™ process. She is also the founder and CEO of Letsmakethedifference.org.

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