Jelly Roll Just Made What He’s Calling the “Biggest Announcement of My Career”

Jelly Roll has become the poster child for turning your life around. Growing up in impoverished rural Antioch, Tennessee, he battled substance use issues as he cycled in and out of jail. In 2023, Jelly (born Jason DeFord) became a household name practically overnight with the release of his country music debut, Whitsitt Chapel, after spending a decade in the hip-hop industry. Even with six chart-topping hits under his belt, however, the “Need a Favor” crooner couldn’t completely outrun his past. Last year, Jelly opened up about the difficulty he faced booking gigs abroad due to felony convictions still on his criminal record. More recently, the Grammy nominee hopped on social media to share some good news on that front.

Jelly Roll Will Join Post Malone Onstage in Europe

In typical exuberant Jelly Roll fashion, the “Save Me” crooner announced on Instagram Wednesday (May 14) that he will play two shows with Post Malone at London’s Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in September.

“Listen y’all, biggest announcement of my career,” an elated Jelly Roll said in the video. “They let me come to England, baby. It’s happening. It’s real.

Continuing, he gushed, “I can’t believe I’m even coming to England, but the fact that my first time is doing two stadium shows with Post Malone… y’all come see me, man. This is huge.”

Currently, the “Son of a Sinner” hitmaker, 40, is serving as direct support for Post Malone’s Big A– Stadium Tour. Tickets for the first show, scheduled for Sept. 7, are already sold out, but there is still availability for the following night.

“Change Is Possible”

Booking a gig in the UK is truly momentous for Jelly Roll, who has spoken openly about the struggles he has faced booking international gigs.

“It’s funny, America has finally agreed to let me leave and give me a passport, but some countries won’t let me come because of my felonies,” he told Jon Bon Jovi last year. “We’re working on that. I think it’s going to work in my favor.”

A key piece of this “legal puzzle” fell into place last month when the Tennessee Board of Parole unanimously recommended a pardon for the “Liar” singer. Now, the final decision rests with Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee.

“I want to be an inspiration for people who are now where I used to be — to let them know that change is truly possible,” Jelly told the parole board during April’s hearing.

Featured image by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Stagecoach