Jelly Roll took home the prestigious Country Artist of the Year award at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards, solidifying his meteoric rise in the genre. The genre-blending star, known for his raw storytelling and powerful performances, delivered an emotional acceptance speech, thanking fans for embracing his journey from rap to country.

“I am absolutely honored,” Jelly Roll said in a video acceptance speech. “To win Country Artist of The Year is just unbelievable in every way it can be.”

Jelly Roll, Photo Courtesy of iHeartRadio Music Awards 2025

Jelly Roll is already celebrating a win ahead of tonight’s 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards! The genre-bending superstar has been named Country Artist of the Year.

Jelly Roll Crowned Country Artist Of The Year at 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards

Unfortunately, the 40-year-old “Liar” singer is currently on his Beautifully Broken: Great Northern Tour 2025 in Canada and unable to attend the iHeartRadio Awards. However, he made sure to send in a video acceptance speech.

“What’s up y’all? Man, I really wish I was there, I am absolutely honored. I was thinking about last year’s iHeartRadio Music Awards, and I won Best New Country Artist. To come back this year and to win Country Artist of The Year is just unbelievable in every way it can be,” Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, shared in a video message on iHeartRadio’s social media accounts.

He went on to graciously thank fans and radio stations across the globe for listening and playing his music. “Thank y’all for calling and still requesting the songs, thank you for playing ’em, thank you for all the support and all the love,” he continued. “Wish I could be there, but I’m on tour baby, I’m spreading the music and bringing it to the people just like iHeart does. Love y’all man!”

Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs and Morgan Wallen were also nominated in the Country Artist Of The Year category. Jelly Roll is also nominated for Country Song of The Year (“I Am Not Okay“), Artist Of The Year and Rock Song of The Year (“All My Life” w/ Falling In Reverse).

2024 iHeartRadio Music Awards

Hosted by two-time Grammy Award-winning hip-hop icon LL Cool J, the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards will air live from Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on Monday, March 17 (8:00-10:00 p.m. ET live / PT tape-delayed) on FOX. The awards show can also be heard on iHeartRadio stations nationwide and on the iHeartRadio app.

The 12th annual iHeartRadio Music Awards will feature performances from Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, GloRilla, Gracie Abrams, Kenny Chesney, Muni Long, Nelly and more.

Becky G, Billy Idol, Feid, Jenny McCarthy-Wahlberg, Joel McHale, Kekoa Kekumano, Kelsea Ballerini, Offset, Robin Thicke, Scott Caan, Sexyy Red, Victoria Monét and more are set to take the stage as presenters during the two-hour broadcast.

Jelly Roll; Photo Courtesy of Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Jelly Roll's Goodnight Nashville — Jelly Roll; Photo Courtesy of Jason Kempin/Getty Images for Jelly Roll’s Goodnight Nashville

iHeartRadio will recognize several music legends at the 2025 iHeartRadio Music Awards. Lady Gaga will be honored with the Innovator Award, while Mariah Carey will receive the Icon Award. Nelly will be presented with the Landmark Award, and Gracie Abrams will be named Breakthrough Artist of the Year. Additionally, Taylor Swift will take home the newly introduced Tour of the Century award for her record-breaking Eras Tour.