Jelly Roll and Keith Urban Deliver a Heart-Stopping Performance of “Liar” at the 2025 CMA Awards
The 2025 CMA Awards were filled with jaw-dropping performances, unexpected collaborations, and unforgettable moments—but none more powerful than the emotional confession Jelly Roll shared live on stage. In the middle of his fiery new single “Liar” from the chart-topping album Beautifully Broken, Jelly Roll dropped to one knee, fighting back tears, and delivered a heartfelt public apology that left the entire Bridgestone Arena in stunned silence.
A Collaboration of Country and Rock
Originally planned as a duet with longtime friend Keith Urban, the performance began as a high-energy showcase of passion, grit, and musical chemistry. Bathed in red and amber light, the stage erupted as Urban’s electrifying guitar riffs collided with Jelly Roll’s powerful, gravelly vocals. The two artists played off each other effortlessly, creating a fusion of country and rock that had the crowd on their feet, completely captivated.
The Moment That Changed Everything
As the final chorus faded, Jelly Roll’s raw emotion took center stage. He fell to one knee, trembling, his eyes locked on his wife, Bunnie XO, seated in the front row. Overcome with emotion, he delivered a confession that no one saw coming:
“I was wrong. And this is how I tell the truth… in front of the whole world.”
The arena fell silent. The only sound was Bunnie’s soft sobs, carrying through the vast space and touching every heart in attendance. Keith Urban, visibly moved, placed a steadying hand on Jelly’s shoulder, standing with him not only as a collaborator, but as a brother in that moment of truth.
A Performance That Felt Like a Prayer
Within hours, the performance spread like wildfire online, amassing millions of views and sparking an emotional reaction from fans worldwide. Many described it as “the performance that stopped time,” while others called it “a public atonement wrapped in song.” One viewer captured the sentiment perfectly, writing:
“That wasn’t just country music. That was a man laying his soul bare.”
Bunnie XO later shared a single heart emoji on Instagram alongside a backstage photo of Jelly Roll reaching for her hand—a quiet, yet powerful response to the moment that had the world talking.
More Than a Song—A Public Confession
The performance of “Liar” was more than just a CMA Awards highlight—it was a testament to honesty, redemption, and love. Jelly Roll has long been open about his struggles, but this time, he took vulnerability to another level. By confessing publicly, under the bright lights and in front of millions, he showed the world that true strength lies in owning one’s truth, no matter how painful.
This wasn’t just about regret—it was about transformation. It was about a man confronting his past, acknowledging his mistakes, and choosing to rebuild his life in full view of his fans and, most importantly, the woman who helped him believe he was worth saving.
A Moment That Will Be Remembered
The duet of “Liar” will forever be remembered not just as a performance, but as a prayer set to music. It revealed the healing power of truth, the strength of vulnerability, and the unwavering bond between Jelly Roll and Bunnie. It was proof that music is more than entertainment—it is confession, connection, and catharsis.
