5 Reasons Why Jelly Roll Calls Taylor Swift The 'G.O.A.T.' After His CMA Awards Shutout

The music world is still buzzing in mid-December 2025 over the unexpected connection between two of the biggest names in music: country-rock sensation Jelly Roll and global pop icon Taylor Swift. The story took a powerful turn right after the 58th Annual CMA Awards, where Jelly Roll, despite securing three major nominations, walked away empty-handed. This moment of disappointment, however, became the catalyst for a surprising revelation about his greatest source of inspiration.

Instead of letting the snub derail his momentum, Jelly Roll publicly revealed that it was Taylor Swift's 2017 album, *Reputation*, that "lit a fire" in him, providing the motivation he needed to push forward. This candid praise cemented his status as one of Swift's most vocal and unexpected celebrity defenders, highlighting a shared understanding of navigating public scrutiny and career challenges in the music industry.

Jelly Roll: A Quick Biography and Profile

Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, has become one of the most compelling and successful crossover artists in modern music. His journey from a troubled past to a Grammy-nominated star is a central part of his narrative, resonating deeply with fans across multiple genres.

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• Full Name: Jason Bradley DeFord
• Stage Name: Jelly Roll
• Born: December 4, 1984
• Birthplace: Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
• Wife: Bunnie DeFord (Bunnie Xo)
• Children: Bailee Ann DeFord (daughter), Noah DeFord (son)
• Genres: Country, Rock, Hip Hop, Country Rock
• Breakthrough Hit: "Save Me" (2020) and "Need a Favor" (2023)
• Major 2024 Accolades: Multiple Grammy Award nominations (including Best New Artist), CMA New Artist of the Year (2023), multiple CMT Music Awards wins.
• Notable Albums: *Whitsitt Chapel* (2023), *Self Medicated* (2020)
• Current Status: Invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry.

The CMA Snub That Sparked a 'Reputation' Revelation

The 2024 CMA Awards were a major event for Jelly Roll, who entered the night as one of the most-nominated artists, vying for three prestigious awards. Despite his massive commercial success and critical acclaim for his album *Whitsitt Chapel*, he did not take home a trophy.

It was in the aftermath of this disappointment that he shared his profound admiration for Taylor Swift and, specifically, her *Reputation* era. For Jelly Roll, the album was a masterclass in turning professional and personal adversity into an artistic triumph.

He saw the album as a blueprint for how to handle negative press and professional setbacks with strength and creative defiance. This moment of praise, coming right after his own professional setback, was an incredibly relatable and humanizing moment for the star, showing his peers and fans that even chart-topping artists look to others for inspiration during tough times.

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Why Jelly Roll Calls Taylor Swift The 'G.O.A.T.'

Jelly Roll's admiration for Taylor Swift extends far beyond a single album. In various interviews and appearances, including a high-profile visit to The Pat McAfee Show, he has consistently referred to the global superstar as the "G.O.A.T." (Greatest of All Time). This is not just hyperbole; it is a recognition of her unprecedented career achievements and business acumen.

The 2024 Grammy Awards Meeting and Being Starstruck

The first time the two artists officially met was at the 2024 Grammy Awards, an event where both were major nominees. Jelly Roll admitted to being completely starstruck by the 14-time Grammy winner. He recounted the meeting, expressing his long-time fandom and the connection he and his daughter, Bailee Ann, shared through her music.

He even made an unexpected, hilariously bold comparison to Swift when recounting their meeting, further endearing himself to Swifties and the wider public.

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Recognizing Her Unrivaled Cultural and Economic Impact

Jelly Roll has frequently praised Swift’s broader cultural influence, particularly her impact on the NFL through her relationship with Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. He noted that her presence has had an "incredible impact" on the league, drawing new audiences and massive viewership to the sport.

His defense of Swift’s reputation as a musician has also been a recurring theme in his interviews. In a world where massive success often invites criticism, Jelly Roll has consistently championed her artistic legitimacy, calling her a generational talent who deserves all the accolades she receives. This defense resonates with his own journey of overcoming skepticism in the music industry.

The Shared Narrative of Redemption and Resilience

What truly connects Jelly Roll and Taylor Swift, despite their different musical styles, is a shared narrative of resilience. Jelly Roll’s career is a testament to redemption, moving past a history of incarceration and addiction to become a voice for the marginalized. Similarly, Taylor Swift’s career has been marked by overcoming industry battles, public scrutiny, and professional betrayals, particularly during the era that inspired the *Reputation* album.

By praising Swift’s ability to use her art to fight back and redefine her public image, Jelly Roll is not just complimenting a peer; he is acknowledging a fellow artist who understands the power of turning pain into creative fuel. This mutual respect among top artists like Jelly Roll, Morgan Wallen, and Post Malone—all of whom he also admires—is a key element of the current country and crossover music landscape.

The praise from Jelly Roll, coming on the heels of his CMA disappointment, served as a powerful reminder: even at the peak of success, every artist needs a source of motivation. For the man who sings "Save Me," the unexpected inspiration was the pop megastar who learned to reclaim her own narrative.