Jelly Roll Reacts to Grammy Nominations and Debuts Beard-Free Look: “I Look Like a Ninja Turtle”

Jelly Roll revealed two major personal developments: he’s received additional Grammy nominations and he has ditched his trademark beard. In a conversational YouTube clip posted on Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, the country artist documented the first time he shaved his facial hair in years, with his wife, Bunnie Xo, by his side.

After removing the beard, he stepped outside and spoke directly to viewers, reflecting on how his appearance changed alongside a significant weight loss. With wry humor, he said his new look made him resemble a “Ninja Turtle” and admitted that his beard had once helped conceal how much his body had changed.

The moment turned emotional when Jelly Roll discussed his 2026 Grammy nominations — including nods for best country duo/group performance (for the Shaboozey collaboration “Amen”), best contemporary country album for Beautifully Broken, and best contemporary Christian music performance/song for “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” He credited his faith when considering the recognition, saying that when he looks at the nominations “all I see is God.”

Fighting back tears, he told fans he felt overwhelmed and grateful. He reflected on the album’s title and its resonance with current times, then praised the honor of being recognized by his peers, even as he acknowledged the playful teasing he receives online about his appearance.

Those latest nods bring his career total to seven Grammy nominations. He first earned attention from the Recording Academy in 2024 with nominations including best new artist and a best country duo/group performance nomination for his duet with Lainey Wilson, “Save Me.” The following year he added nominations for best country song and best country solo performance for “I Am Not Okay.”

Whether the Grammys result in wins or simply more career milestones, Jelly Roll said the recognition means more than trophies — it feels like validation of his journey and the message he’s tried to share through his music.

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