While several artists used the 2026 Grammy Awards as a platform to make statements about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Jelly Roll chose to hold his thoughts, at least for now. Despite a huge night that included multiple wins, Jelly Roll made it clear backstage that he wasn’t ready to wade into the political conversation, even as other stars used the moment to speak out.
Jelly Roll Dodges Political Questions After Grammys Sweep
Tammie Arroyo / AFF-USA.com / MEGA
The 41-year-old singer was riding high Sunday night after taking home three awards, including Best Contemporary Country Album for “Beautifully Broken.” But when reporters backstage asked if he wanted to weigh in on “what’s going on in the country right now,” Jelly Roll declined. “Not really,” he simply replied.
Pressed further in the press room, the “Son of a Sinner” artist explained that he doesn’t believe his opinion should carry weight in the current political climate. “This is the truth, and I’m glad somebody asked,” Jelly Roll said. “I love talking about this stuff, and people care to hear my opinion, but people shouldn’t care to hear my opinion.”
The ‘Son Of A Singer’ Artist Calls Himself ‘Disconnected’ From Politics
He went on to describe himself as largely disconnected from current events, adding, “I’m a dumb redneck. I haven’t watched enough. I didn’t even have a phone for 18 months.”
Jelly Roll expanded on that disconnect by reflecting on his upbringing, explaining that politics weren’t a regular topic in his household growing up. “I grew up in chaos,” he said. “I didn’t even 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-addict household. We weren’t having conversations about rural politics. We were just trying to survive.”
Still, the artist made it clear that silence won’t last forever. “I do have a lot to say,” he added. “I’m going through it this next week, and everybody’s going to hear exactly what I have to say, in the loudest and clearest way I’ve ever spoken in my life.”
Jelly Roll Previously Faced Backlash Over Trump Encounter
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA
This isn’t the first time Jelly Roll has found himself under scrutiny for staying neutral on politics. Back in December 2024, the singer faced backlash after defending his decision to shake hands with Donald Trump at a UFC event. At the time, critics accused Jelly Roll of signaling political support, a claim he pushed back on during an episode of his wife Bunnie XO’s “Dumb Blonde.”
“I didn’t grow up in a voting culture,” Jelly Roll explained, reiterating that politics was never a central part of his upbringing. He went on to admit that his lack of political engagement was rooted in limited exposure and understanding. “I don’t know enough about politics to act like I know anything that’s going on, what anybody’s standing for policy-wise,” he said at the time. “I genuinely don’t know.”
Bad Bunny Uses Grammys Stage To Call Out ICE As Jelly Roll Holds Back
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA
Jelly Roll’s restraint stood in stark contrast to several other stars who made pointed statements during the ceremony. Bad Bunny, who won Best Música Urbana Album for “Debí Tirar Más Fotos,” addressed ICE directly during his acceptance speech.
“Before I thank God, I’m going to say ICE out,” he told the audience. “We’re not savage. We’re not animals. We’re not aliens. We are humans, and we are Americans.” The singer went on to urge empathy, acknowledging how easy it can be to fall into anger during tense times.
Justin And Hailey Bieber Wear ‘ICE OUT’ Pins
Meanwhile, the red carpet itself became a site of protest. Justin Bieber and Hailey Bieber made their first major awards show appearance in four years, wearing matching black outfits accented with silver jewelry and “ICE OUT” pins fastened to their lapels.
Several other artists followed suit, including Billie Eilish, her brother Finneas, and songwriter Amy Allen, all of whom arrived wearing the same pins in protest of recent ICE-related actions across the country.