Just hours after Wynonna Judd took the stage with Jelly Roll at the 2023 CMA Awards, the legendary singer found herself responding to fans on TikTok who were concerned about her well-being. Wynonna, always the candid performer, decided to address the chatter head-on with a heartfelt message.
“Don’t read the comments; I read the comments!” Wynonna joked in a TikTok video posted on Wednesday, November 8. “I’m just going to be totally honest with all of you. I was so incredibly nervous. Like, shaking-in-my-boots nervous.”
Throughout the surprise performance, Wynonna, now 59, leaned heavily on Jelly Roll’s arm as she belted out his hit song “Need a Favor.” The moment was raw, emotional, and left fans questioning whether everything was okay. But Wynonna wants you to know—it’s all good.
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“When I stepped out there, I locked eyes with Jelly Roll, and I just wanted it to be perfect for him,” she explained, her voice filled with sincerity. “I can feel myself tearing up just thinking about it, but I’m not gonna cry because I’m such a huge fan of his. He asked me to sing with him, and I said, ‘Absolutely!’ But once I got out there, I was so nervous that I literally held on for dear life. That’s the truth, folks.”
Fans React on Social Media
After the performance, fans flooded social media with their thoughts. Some were puzzled by Wynonna’s behavior during the performance, wondering if something was off. On X, formerly known as Twitter, one viewer wrote, “Wynonna Judd, you OK tonight gal??? What the heck was that?” Another commenter chimed in, “Why is Wynonna Judd holding onto Jelly Roll like she’s hanging onto a lifeline?”
What many didn’t realize was that this performance with Jelly Roll, 38, was entirely unannounced. It was a surprise appearance that caught everyone off guard—including Wynonna herself. In an interview with Entertainment Tonight after the show, she revealed her reasoning behind joining him on stage.
“I have to show up for people the way people showed up for me,” Wynonna shared. “That’s my job now—to pass it forward. People have been so generous with me throughout my career, and now it’s my turn to give back. Jelly Roll is someone I deeply admire, and if he asked me to sing, how could I say no?”
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Emotional Vulnerability in Music
Wynonna also opened up about her need to pause during a recent concert to gather her thoughts. It’s a side of her that fans don’t always see—a deeply human side that reminds us all of the ups and downs life brings.
“I have my highs and my lows, just like everyone else,” she admitted. “Life isn’t always easy, and I want my fans to know that. The other night, I got emotional on stage; I felt Mom so strongly that I had to stop. I said, ‘I need some water, and I need someone to hold onto me for a second while I take a deep breath and collect myself.’ And you know what? That’s okay. That’s life.”
Of course, Wynonna’s journey over the past year has been particularly challenging. She lost her beloved mother, Naomi Judd, to suicide in April 2022. To honor The Judds’ legacy, Jelly Roll closed out the CMA Awards with K. Michelle, performing their timeless classic “Love Can Build a Bridge.”
A Tribute to The Judds
“The first thing I said when Jelly Roll approached me about doing this tribute was, ‘I won’t do this without Wynonna’s blessing,’” he explained. “Even before we recorded the song, I called her. I have so much respect for Wynonna; The Judds were part of my childhood. I love her, and she gave me her full support. She said, ‘Not only do I want you to do it, I want you to make it amazing!’ And that’s exactly what we aimed to do.”
If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or considering self-harm, please reach out for help. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
