We already knew that Jelly Roll was strong-willed, and had a strong voice, but after last night’s New Year’s Eve party in New York City, we can also confirm that he’s just straight up strong.
It was a big night for Jelly Roll as 2023 came to a close and the calendar flipped to 2024. The rapper-turned-country star was asked to perform at the iconic Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve show live from Times Square, and to say he was excited for it would have been an understatement.
Just look at this video he posted shortly before his performance, where he said:
“Check me out y’all! I’m fixing to play New Year’s Eve on the same TV show I used to watch as a kid, baby.
Tune into ABC, dammit we’re here!”
He’s the best…
While he was on stage, he performed a couple of his biggest hits, getting the packed Times Square crowd rowdy with “Halfway to Hell,” “Wild Ones,” and “Need a Favor.” It’s safe to say that he met the moment, and his enthusiasm and excitement to be there was present as he rocked the stage for those there in person and those watching from home.
Jelly Roll’s live performance was great, but it’s what happened afterwards that really caught my eye. One of the staples of Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve is the longtime host Ryan Seacrest. After Jelly wrapped up his short set list, Seacrest came out to speak with him, and Jelly Roll must have been looking forward to that moment all night.
Seacrest was met with one of the biggest hugs the world has ever seen as Jelly Roll lifted the media personality high up into the air like a child (with Seacrest even kicking his legs like a kid would). It was one of the most impressive feats of strength that’s ever been televised on national TV.
Once Jelly Roll put Seacrest back down, the host asked the “Need a Favor” singer how he felt about the moment. As he usually does, Jelly Roll gave a “wrestling promo-esque” answer:
“I’ve been watching this show since I was a kid, and to be standing up here next to Ryan Seacrest on New Year’s Eve in New York City…what a crazy dream come true going into 2024 as a Grammy nominee.”
Seacrest then followed up with a question about why Jelly Roll is so passionate about helping others, and the country artist gave one of the most genuine answers you’ll ever hear:
“I believe I’ve been so blessed, and I’ve come so far, that God did not bless me this much to not be a blessing baby. So as long as I’m blessed, I will bless.”
You can view the post-performance interview below, but like I said earlier, the most important part is right at the beginning where Jelly Roll lifts Ryan Seacrest up into the air like it was nothing:
