NashvilleGab - AJ McLean and Jelly Roll Perform Together

On July 10, fans at Jelly Roll‘s concert at History in Toronto were in for a special treat.

Midway through the country star’s set, AJ McLean of the Backstreet Boys joined him on stage for a surprise performance of the iconic 1999 hit “I Want It That Way.”

The crowd erupted in applause as McLean appeared, and the duet quickly became a highlight of the evening.

Keep reading to know more!

Social Media Buzz

After the concert, AJ McLean took to Instagram to share a photo of himself with Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord.

Aj McLean & Jelly Roll — *Photo: AJ McLean/Instagram*

“What a night last night,” McLean wrote, tagging the “Need a Favor” singer.

“Let’s make some music, brotha!” The Instagram post further fueled excitement among fans, as many speculated about potential future collaborations between the two artists.

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A Trend of Collaborations

McLean is the latest in a series of musicians to join Jelly Roll on stage.

Just last month, Jelly Roll performed with Eminem at Live From Detroit: The Concert at Michigan Central. The duo sang “Sing for the Moment,” a track where Eminem samples Steven Tyler.

Jelly Roll described the experience as “the coolest moment ever” in an interview with Entertainment Tonight.

“When I think about the coolest moments of my career, right now at the top, there has to be this thing that I got to go sing with Eminem in Detroit,” said Jelly Roll.

“I got to sing ‘Sing for the Moment’ with him, which is a record where he sampled Steven Tyler. I mean, just what an incredible night, and I got to do it in Detroit. It was unreal.”

An Unbelievable Opportunity

Reflecting on the Detroit performance, Jelly Roll recalled how Eminem’s team reached out to him.

“I couldn’t believe it. I thought it was a joke until I met Eminem himself,” he said, noting how he felt “giddy, like a child” during the performance.

The collaboration with Eminem, much like the duet with AJ McLean, highlights Jelly Roll’s rising influence in the music industry and his ability to cross genres and connect with a diverse range of artists.

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About Jelly Roll

Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, was born on December 4, 1984, in Nashville, Tennessee. He grew up in a challenging environment, facing difficulties such as poverty and legal troubles.

These experiences heavily influenced his music, which often touches on themes of struggle, redemption, and resilience.

Musical Career

Jelly Roll’s music career began in the early 2000s when he started releasing mixtapes and collaborating with other Southern rappers.

He gained initial recognition through his collaborations with artists like Lil Wyte, Haystak, and Struggle Jennings.

Musical Style

Jelly Roll’s music is a unique blend of hip-hop, country, rock, and blues. His versatility allows him to cross genres effortlessly, making his music appealing to a broad audience.

His lyrics are often deeply personal, reflecting his life’s ups and downs, and resonating with fans who appreciate his raw honesty.

Breakthrough and Albums

Jelly Roll’s breakthrough came with the release of his album “The Big Sal Story” in 2012. Since then, he has released several successful albums and mixtapes, including “No Filter” (with Lil Wyte), “Sobriety Sucks,” and “A Beautiful Disaster.”

His albums have consistently performed well on the charts, solidifying his place in the music industry.

Meeting the Love of His Life

Jelly Roll, born Jason DeFord, has had an eventful personal life, marked by his marriage to Bunnie DeFord, also known as Bunnie XO.

The two met at one of Jelly Roll’s shows in Las Vegas, and their connection was instant.

Bunnie, a model, podcast host, and entrepreneur, has been a significant part of Jelly Roll’s life, supporting him both personally and professionally.

Jelly Roll and Bunnie XO tied the knot in 2016 in an intimate ceremony.

A Strong Partnership

Bunnie XO has been a steadfast partner to Jelly Roll, often accompanying him on tour and supporting his musical career.

She hosts the popular podcast “Dumb Blonde,” where she interviews various guests and shares her experiences.

Family Life

The couple is also dedicated to their family. Jelly Roll has a daughter from a previous relationship, Bailee Ann, whom Bunnie has embraced wholeheartedly.

Together, they provide a loving and supportive environment for Bailee Ann, who often appears in their social media updates.

Jelly Roll’s Awards

Award	Year	Work
iHeartRadio Music Award for Best New Country Artist	2024	–
CMT Music Award for CMT Performance of the Year	2024	“Need a Favor” (from 2023 CMT Music Awards)
CMT Music Award for Male Video of the Year	2024	“Need a Favor”
CMT Music Award for Male Video of the Year	2023	“Son of a Sinner”
Country Music Association Award for New Artist of the Year	2023	–
CMT Music Award for Video of the Year	2024	“Need a Favor”
CMT Music Award for Breakthrough Male Video of the Year	2023	“Son of a Sinner”
Academy of Country Music Award for Music Event of the Year	2024	“Save Me”
iHeartRadio Music Award for Best New Pop Artist	2024	–
CMT Music Award for CMT Digital-First Performance of the Year	2023	“Son of a Sinner” (from “CMT All Access”)
People’s Choice Award for Favorite Male Country Artist	2024	–

Jelly Roll’s achievements

Jelly Roll’s best song

Conclusion

With these high-profile collaborations, Jelly Roll is quickly becoming a name to watch in the music world.
Fans are eager to see what other surprises he has in store and who might join him on stage next.
One thing is certain: Jelly Roll is making waves and creating unforgettable moments in music history.
As Jelly Roll continues to evolve as an artist, fans can expect more innovative music and exciting collaborations.
His journey from a troubled youth to a successful musician is a testament to his talent and determination, and his future in the music industry looks incredibly promising.