Jelly Roll Refuses To Speak About Politics At The Grammys: ‘I’m a Dumb Redneck’

Unlike many of his fellow artists at the 68th annual Grammys, Jelly Roll refused to weigh in on the political climate in America during the 2026 awards show.

The singer, who was awarded the inaugural best contemporary country album prize at the show, spoke to reporters backstage, where he was asked about the current state of things in America right now. Jelly Roll (real name: Jason DeFord) said he would not speak on that topic. However, he did give a rather lengthy response as to why he’s keeping silent.

“People shouldn’t care to hear my opinion. I’m a dumb redneck,” the “Wild Ones” singer explained, per Variety. “I hate to be the artist that sounds aloof, but I just feel so disconnected from what’s happening. I didn’t know politics were real until I was in my mid-20s in jail. That’s how disconnected you are when you grow up in a drug-addicted household.”

While it may sound like he’s dodging the question in an effort to not upset anyone on the political left or right who may enjoy his music, that’s not the case. Although Jelly Roll didn’t want to make any kind of comment at the Grammys, he noted that his silence on politics will not last forever.

“I have a lot to say about it, and I’m going to in the next week, and everybody’s going to hear exactly what I have to say about it the most loud and clear way I’ve ever spoken in my life,” he said.

While Jelly Roll kept it neutral at the Grammys, many of his fellow artists used their time to take direct shots at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency. Bad Bunny used his time to call out ICE during his acceptance speech for album of the year while several other stars — including Justin and Hailey Bieber — wore pins calling for the end of ICE on the red carpet.

As the National Enquirer previously reported, host Trevor Noah is in some hot water with President Donald Trump after the comedian made a joke on-air at the president’s expense.