In a moment that no one will ever forget, Jelly Roll paused mid-performance of “Liar”, suddenly dropping to his knees as his eyes filled with tears. Sitting in the audience, his wife Bunnie XO watched, overwhelmed, as he confessed through a trembling voice: “I was wrong… and this is how I tell the truth, in front of everyone.” The arena fell completely silent, broken only by her soft sobs, making the crowd collectively hold its breath. Co-star Keith Urban stepped forward, placing a hand on Jelly Roll’s shoulder in a rare display of solidarity, amplifying the emotional weight of the confession. Cameras captured every second, and social media erupted as millions of fans reacted, calling it “the performance that froze time”. What unfolded wasn’t just music — it was a raw, unfiltered moment of vulnerability and accountability, a public atonement delivered through song. Witnesses say the scene was so moving that it redefined what a live performance could be, turning the CMA stage into a place of truth, love, and redemption.

Jelly Roll and Keith Urban Join Forces at the CMA Awards for “Liar”

Two close friends delivered one of the most emotional moments of the night when Jelly Roll and Keith Urban teamed up on the CMA Awards stage to perform Liar.

The collaboration was revealed in a surprise, last-minute announcement shared on Instagram, instantly generating buzz among fans. The duo confirmed they would perform “Liar,” a powerful track Jelly Roll released earlier this year on his album Beautifully Broken.

That album marked a major milestone for Jelly Roll. Beautifully Broken debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, becoming the first chart-topping album of his career.

The project also features another collaboration between the two artists—the emotional duet Don’t Want To—further cementing their musical connection.

But their bond goes far beyond studio sessions.

Urban and Jelly Roll have built a genuine friendship both on and offstage, something Urban highlighted in an October 11 Instagram post congratulating Jelly Roll on his No. 1 album.

“My man,” Urban wrote. “I love playing with ya, love singing with ya, and am just damn grateful to be on this same journey with you. You know exactly what I’m talking about. Congrats on Beautifully Broken.”

That shared journey was on full display at the CMA Awards.

When the performance kicked off, Jelly Roll poured raw emotion into every lyric while Urban backed him on electric guitar, elevating the song with a blistering solo. The result felt less like a traditional country performance and more like a high-octane rock-meets-country fusion.

The chemistry between the two artists was undeniable—passion, respect, and friendship woven into every note.

It was a standout moment that reminded everyone watching why Jelly Roll and Keith Urban make such a powerful pairing—and why “Liar” hit even harder when shared on one of country music’s biggest stages.