ST.Jelly Roll Stuns Nashville Crowd With Emotional Speech To Lainey Wilson: “You’re The Role Model We Were Praying For”
Lainey Wilson Stuns With Sold-Out Nashville Show and Powerful Onstage Moment With Jelly Roll
On Thursday night, October 2, Lainey Wilson brought her Whirlwind World Tour home to Nashville — and made history of her own. Performing to a sold-out crowd at Bridgestone Arena, the reigning queen of country music turned her first-ever headlining show at the venue into an unforgettable celebration of friendship, faith, and firepower.
A Night of Star-Studded Surprises
Wilson pulled out all the stops, surprising fans with a string of special guests. Five-time ACM Award winner Ella Langley was the first to send the crowd into a frenzy when she joined Wilson for a live performance of “Good Horses,” the duet Wilson originally recorded with Miranda Lambert.
Next came Muscadine Bloodline, stepping into the spotlight for an acoustic rendition of their heartfelt collaboration “Pieces.” Later, Wilson teamed up with Ernest for a soulful take on his song “What If I Could.”
But the grand finale was what truly sent Bridgestone Arena into overdrive. Just when the audience thought the night was over, Wilson shocked everyone by bringing out Jelly Roll to close the show with their hit duet “Save Me.”
“Save Me” — and a Moment That Stole the Show
Originally released in 2020, “Save Me” gained new life when Jelly Roll teamed up with Wilson for a remix that shot to No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, earned a Grammy nomination for Best Country Duo/Group Performance, and achieved 3x Platinum certification.
Their live performance was electric — but it was what happened afterward that brought the entire arena to tears.
Standing center stage, Jelly Roll turned to Wilson and delivered a heartfelt speech in front of thousands:
“I want you to know, as a girl dad, what you mean to my family, my daughter, and all these little girls in this building… the inspiration you are — you’re the role model us parents were praying for.”
He went on to praise her boldness and authenticity:
“You’ve encouraged these young women to be brave, to be bold, to share their story. You brought the bell bottoms back, girl! You made country music cool again! A 66-city Whirlwind Tour sounds like the Entertainer of the Year to me. I love you, Lainey Wilson!”
The crowd erupted into cheers as Jelly Roll took off his hat and wrapped Wilson in a long, emotional hug — a moment that perfectly summed up the love and respect between two of country’s most beloved stars.
@nashvillexp This is why we love @Jelly Roll 👏👏 📍 @Lainey Wilson’s Nashville show #Nashville#615#LaineyWilson#JellyRoll#Country♬ original sound – Nashville Experience
The Reigning Queen of Country
Wilson’s Nashville show comes as she’s once again nominated for Entertainer of the Year at the upcoming CMA Awards. If she wins, she’ll become only the third woman in history to take home the trophy twice.
This year also marks another milestone: she’ll be hosting the 2025 CMA Awards solo, after co-hosting last year alongside Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning.
From surprise duets to heartfelt tributes, Lainey Wilson’s Nashville stop was more than a concert — it was a statement. A reminder that she isn’t just at the top of country music right now… she is country music.
