Jelly Roll's Emmy Memoriam performance has left fans majorly divided . The 39-year-old performer, born Jason Bradley DeFord , took to the stage on Sunday night to perform the In Memoriam tribute at the 2024 Emmy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday. His song of choice was his new hit I Am Not Okay, which delves into the struggles of mental health and emotional turmoil.
Emmys 2024 forced to refigure things as last year drew in record-low ratings Jennifer Aniston steals spotlight in sparkling pearl gown at Emmy Awards 2024 Despite the somewhat fitting nature of the song, some viewers were confused with the choice while others asked why he was the chosen artist as a whole. Jelly also offered a "healing moment" for those grieving "storytellers" during his time on stage. He was backed by string musicians and introduced his performance with an emotional message.
"I believe that music is therapeutic. I believe that music can heal. I also believe that storytelling is just as cathartic.
I hope this song can act as a healing moment for those who are mourning the storytellers we have lost this year," he shared. Before adding: "If you are feeling lost or alone tonight then I want you to know that it's okay to not always be okay." He then belted the song as a montage of pictures showing producers, writers, executives, crew members, and performers who have passed away over the last 12 months flashed on the screen behind him.
Among those remembered in the tribute were actor Ryan O'Neal, presenter Phil Donoghue, fitness guru Richard Simmons, actress Shannen Doherty, and actors Carl Weathers, Donald Sutherland, and James Earl Jones. Don't Miss: Bachelorette's Devin Strader finally addresses brutal Jenn Tran dumping after finale hate Bachelorette's Dotun defends ABC and shades Devin as he says 'contestants need do better' Eminem's VMAs snub leaves fans fuming at Katy Perry after 'catastrophic' comeback Following his performance, fans took to X, formally Twitter to dish their verdict. One viewer @aliyalangley tweeted: "'I am not okay' as the song for the in memoriam.
.. well these people certainly are not okay.
They’re dead." As user, @nikola_minik pointed out: "No offense to jelly roll but Selena Gomez is literally in the building #Emmys." A third fan @michcoll quipped: "Please don't ever honor my memory while Jelly Roll sings on a national stage," with @BrittneyBush adding: "I confess I had a little laugh at the deeply serious Emmys in memoriam segment being introduced by a man named Jelly Roll.
" And viewer @charizardavis fumed: "I am so sorry but having someone named "jelly roll" perform the in memoriam for the Emmys is absolutely a 30 rock joke." Not everyone was up in arms about Jelly's performance, as @WonderWhereIAm1 raved: "He did a beautiful job. Very moving.
".
