Jelly Roll Brought to Tears by Kelly Clarkson’s Soul-Stirring Cover of “Save Me”
It was a moment of raw emotion and unexpected honor for Jelly Roll when powerhouse vocalist Kelly Clarkson performed his deeply personal ballad, Save Me, during a moving Kellyoke segment on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
The country-rap-rock crossover artist took to social media to share his heartfelt reaction:
“I would’ve never believed you if you told me I’d write a song so impactful that the incredible Kelly Clarkson would cover it. Thank you, Kelly—wow. I’m honored in a way I can’t even describe. I cried watching it.”
Originally released in 2020, Save Me is a haunting, stripped-down ballad about addiction, pain, and the longing for redemption—a cry from the depths of Jelly Roll’s soul. Written during the isolating days of pandemic lockdowns with producer David Ray, the track marked a turning point in his career and life.
“I knew the lifestyle I was living couldn’t be sustained,” the Nashville native, born Jason DeFord, told Billboard. “It was my personal cry for help.”
And Clarkson heard that cry loud and clear.
With gravel in her voice and fire in her delivery, Clarkson’s rendition wasn’t just a cover—it was a tribute. Her raw, emotional performance captured the desperation and vulnerability at the core of the song, leaving fans and the artist himself deeply moved.
From Struggle to Stardom
Jelly Roll’s journey has been anything but ordinary. By age 14, he was already entangled in drugs and legal trouble, eventually landing in federal prison multiple times throughout his youth. He was even incarcerated when his daughter Bailee was born in 2008.
But music became his redemption.
“Early on in my songwriting I chose connection and honesty,” he explained. “The songs that helped me weren’t the ones pretending everything was fine—they were the ones that told the truth.”
His truth resonated.
In 2023, Jelly Roll re-released Save Me as a duet with country star Lainey Wilson. Then in 2024, Eminem sampled the track for Somebody Save Me, blending rap and country in a groundbreaking collaboration that cemented the song’s legacy.
“You Made It” – Fans React
After Clarkson’s performance aired, fans flooded social media with emotional reactions.
“Awesome cover Kelly!!! And such a beautiful, heartfelt post, Jelly Roll! You deserve all the good things,” one fan wrote.
Another added, “Omg yes. When I heard this, I thought, ‘You know you made it when Kelly covers you.’ You made it.”
And for many, the song isn’t just music—it’s medicine.
“I know you hear this all the time,” one fan tweeted, “but that one single song literally saved my life. So thank you, man. You saved me.”
One fan couldn’t help but express their gratitude, writing, “If you don’t think your music is inspirational, inspiring, or incredible, you’re mistaken, bud. I hope you keep doing what you’re doing because you’ve pulled me out of some dark places, and I know I’m not the only one you’ve done this for.”
Jelly Roll reflected on the transformative power of his song in an interview with Billboard, where he shared how Save Me helped him on his own path to recovery:
“Seeing how the song impacted the lives of so many people almost immediately, it gave me the strength to make the lifestyle changes I needed to make. Save Me truly changed my life in more ways than one.”
For Jelly Roll, his tearful reaction to Kelly Clarkson’s heartfelt cover wasn’t a moment of weakness—it was a moment of strength. It was music at its most authentic, a reminder that even the most broken souls can find healing through song.
Haven’t heard Clarkson’s stunning rendition yet? Don’t miss out—give it a listen and let us know how it resonates with you.