‘Wow’: Jelly Roll Shows off Weight Loss in New Video, Sparking Discussion

The “Wild Ones” singer has partnered up with a brand that is conscious about helping people adopt healthier lifestyles, aligning with his own weight loss journey that has inspired fans.

Jelly Roll recently showcased his bold side in a new Zevia commercial. The video had fans buzzing about his noticeable weight loss, with many cheering him on for his transformation.

The drinks brand dropped the ad on March 10, showcasing the country star in an unexpected ensemble, consisting of a pair of Daisy Dukes, a tight vest underneath a sleeveless shirt, and jeans shorts.

The commercial begins with the singer making a grand entrance at a gas station. He rolls up in a bright red truck and runs a hand through his hair as two young onlookers take it all in.

Jelly Roll then confidently grabs a Zevia Creamy Root Beer from the fridge as “Whatta Man” plays. The two boys also watch him on the sidelines in awe.

The ad also delivers a clever message about breaking stereotypes. One of the boys in the video remarks, “Jelly Roll in a Zevia commercial? This is huge. By choosing him as a spokesperson for their zero-sugar soda with zero artificial ingredients, Zevia is dismantling the notion that ‘real men’ can’t be conscious of what goes into their bodies. Mr. Roll, now, quite literally is the poster child for sweet authenticity.”

This ad’s message captivated fans, but also Jelly Roll’s weight loss left them happy for him. One fan excitedly pointed out, “He lost some weight wow he looks good!” while another playfully added, “He’s melting!” Someone else celebrated him, “His progress is incredible! Such an inspiration 🔥🔥🔥🔥.”

Support continued pouring in, “He looks so much better good for him!! Go Jelly Roll.” Another admirer praised his dedication, “I mean he looks fantastic, he has really worked on turning his health around and it is showing!”

And of course, one fan couldn’t resist a lighthearted joke about his stage name, “Looks like he’s lost weight. He’s going to have to change his name. Jelly Fig Newton. 😀.”

Jelly Roll has been vocal about his weight loss journey and his fans are excited to see the fruits of his hard work. Some of his followers are even motivated by his journey as they embark on their own.

In 2024, Jelly Roll shared that he had lost over 110 pounds, estimating that 60 to 70 of those pounds were shed during his “Beautifully Broken” tour. He credited this significant weight loss to his dedication to his fitness routine.

His regimen included walking two to three miles several times a week, spending time in the sauna and cold plunge daily, and maintaining a healthy diet. Additionally, while on tour, Jelly Roll and his crew made basketball a daily activity to stay active.

The Grammy nominee significantly changed his habits on the road, focusing on working out and making healthier dietary choices. The singer shared, “The battle was with the food addiction, changing the way I’ve looked at food for the last 39 years.”

Jelly Roll’s issues with food addiction started as a child, where he grew up in Antioch, Tennessee. The 40-year-old acknowledged that no one in his household ever had a healthy relationship with food, making it a significant challenge to overcome. It is only his discipline and commitment to change that have seen him move forward.

To battle food addiction, Jelly Roll reshaped his approach to nutrition. Developing discipline and commitment proved difficult, but once he established a routine, his progress gained momentum. He was excited about this progress, gushing, “I feel really good.”

The “Winning Streak” singer was also proud that he had managed to change his tour culture. “It’s cool because there was once a time in life that the culture I built on tour was the opposite. It revolved around alcohol and drugs,” he said.

Jelly Roll emphasized that his tour environment now revolves around healthy eating, regular exercise, and daily emotional check-ins with his crew. The singer, who considers sushi his go-to cheat meal, has also made a strong effort to resist indulging.

He is also proud that he is shedding weight naturally and has chosen to avoid Ozempic, citing concerns about its side effects.

The biggest drawback for him is acid reflux, a condition that scares him. As a singer, few things worry him more than the possibility of vomiting, which could harm his vocal cords. His wife, Bunnie XO, is incredibly proud of his dedication to losing weight naturally.

The singer’s ultimate goal is to achieve the most significant transformation possible and land on the cover of Men’s Health by March 2026. Throughout the process, he remains committed to honesty about his struggles.

Rather than hiding his weight loss journey or feeling ashamed, he wants to bring others along, showing that transformation is possible. His wife once questioned whether he feared “the fat effect,” which is the trend where Hollywood stars who lose a significant amount of weight sometimes see their careers stall.

Jelly Roll recalled a friend who faced difficulties landing roles after slimming down. He believes this happens when someone builds their identity around their size, evident in the common stereotype in Hollywood where heavier actors are often cast as sad or comedic figures.

Fortunately, his friend eventually regained momentum in his career. For Jelly Roll, what matters most is making it clear that his success was never because of his size but despite it.

Jelly Roll takes immense pride in the impact of his music, believing it resonates with listeners on a deeper level. He sees his songs as more than just background tracks for a carefree day, noting that they are meant to help people through life’s toughest moments.

Performing live and meeting fans who have found solace in his lyrics is something he values deeply. If given the chance, he would love to sit down and share a meal with anyone who has ever found comfort in his music.

As much as his fans love his music, too, in 2024, some argued his songs lean more toward rock, urging others to stop labeling him as a country music star. These views were shared when Jelly Roll represented the country music genre with his two dynamic performances at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards.

Jelly Roll, whose album “Beautifully Broken” continues to resonate deeply with fans, took the stage to deliver heartfelt performances of his tracks “Liar” and “I Am Not Okay.”

Fans erupted in cheers as the singer stepped onto the stage, their energy palpable. The atmosphere turned emotional as the crowd stood, swaying in unison, and sang along to his touching performance of “I Am Not Okay.”

Before performing “Liar,” Jelly Roll addressed the audience with heartfelt words. “I see people crying, and I see strangers wrapping their arms around them and spreading the love all throughout the building. I can feel the pain, and I can feel the healing happening,” he assured the crowd.

The singer then addressed the crowd with a triumphant declaration, proclaiming that the “devil is a liar,” before launching into a powerful performance of his song “Liar.”

While Jelly Roll’s songs and performances were undeniably powerful and well-received, some viewers took issue with categorizing his music under the country genre and labeling him as a country star.

One fan bluntly remarked, “NOT COUNTRY.” Another expanded on the sentiment, “While it’s good music there isn’t anything ‘country’ stepping into anything. This is just music. Your [sic] not ‘country’ just because you wear boots. I love these artists but let’s stop calling them country.”

A disappointed individual lamented, “This is not country music! It’s really sad what happened to the industry,” while another fan wondered, “Country music? Where?” A different viewer shared what they felt was the music’s genre, “Looks like hip hop.”

On a more positive note, one fan praised Jelly Roll’s impact, “Omg his music gives me energy.” Another chimed in with admiration, “He is the best!”

Jelly Roll was primarily nominated in the rock genre at the 2024 Billboard Music Awards. In the Top Hard Rock Song category, the singer was part of the winning collaboration, Falling In Reverse feat. Jelly Roll’s “All My Life.” This marked his first Billboard Music Award.

The song triumphed over notable contenders like Falling In Reverse’s “Ronald,” HARDY’s “Psycho,” Linkin Park’s “The Emptiness Machine,” and Superheaven’s “Youngest Daughter.”

For Top Song Sales Artist, Jelly Roll faced tough competition from Jung Kook, Taylor Swift, Teddy Swims, and the ultimate winner, Shaboozey. In the Top Rock Artist category, Jelly Roll stood alongside acclaimed names like Hozier, Noah Kahan, Linkin Park, and Zach Bryan, who claimed the top spot.

Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, has come a long way to make a name for himself with heartfelt songs that reflect the hardships of his past. As a teenager, he faced significant challenges. The singer spent 10 years in and out of facilities for offenses like drug-related crimes, shoplifting, and aggravated robbery.

Despite these struggles, Jelly Roll transformed his life and career, earning three No. 1 country hits in 2023 and winning the Country Music Association Award for Best New Artist. He is also a two-time Grammy nominee.

His nickname, “Jelly Roll,” was given to him by his mother in his youth and has remained a meaningful part of his identity. “To this day, my mother calls me Jelly. If somebody walked in here right now and said, ‘Jason,’ I wouldn’t look up,” he divulged.

Reflecting on his incredible journey, Jelly Roll recalled a special moment when he called his mother to share the news of his Grammy nominations. Throughout his life, he had made countless calls to her from places of struggle.

“I’ve called her addicted, I’ve called her homeless, I’ve called her from rehab facilities, I’ve called her from halfway houses, broken down on the side of the street,” he explained. However, this call was different. For the first time, he was able to tell her he had been nominated for two Grammy Awards, marking one of the most meaningful milestones in his life.

Today, with all his successes, Jelly Roll admitted that he’s only beginning to feel that he deserves it. He shared that, at first, he didn’t feel worthy of the recognition, and he continues to grapple with feelings of imposter syndrome.

Even now, he talks with his therapist about whether he truly deserves the accolades. His past still haunts him, and he describes it as a dark and difficult space within his mind.

These days, when Jelly Roll visits behind bars, it’s no longer as an inmate, but as someone with a message to share with those incarcerated.

Furthermore, his life today is vastly different from the turbulent years he spent behind bars. After being released from prison for the final time at 24, he learned from a guard that he had become a father.

That moment, when he first heard the news about his daughter Bailey, marked a turning point in his life. Raised in a world of addiction, Bailey’s mother had struggled with her own demons.

Now, Jelly Roll and his wife, Bunnie XO, are raising his daughter together. Bunnie XO, a podcaster known for her vibrant personality, has been a steadfast support to Jelly Roll, and their partnership has helped him build a new life grounded in love and responsibility.