Jelly Roll Moved to Tears After Kelly Clarkson’s Soulful Cover of “Save Me”
Singer-songwriter Jelly Roll recently experienced a powerful and emotional moment when music superstar Kelly Clarkson performed his deeply personal song, “Save Me,” on her daytime talk show. Known for her breathtaking vocal range and heartfelt interpretations, Clarkson’s rendition touched not only audiences—but also Jelly Roll himself.
The Nashville-born artist, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, shared that watching Clarkson sing his song left him in tears. Taking to social media, he expressed his gratitude and awe. “I would’ve never believed you if you told me that I’d write a song so impactful that Kelly Clarkson would cover it. Thank you Kelly – wow – I’m honored in a way I can’t even describe. I cried watching it,” he wrote.
A Song Born from Struggle
“Save Me” is one of Jelly Roll’s most raw and emotional ballads. Released in 2020, the song reflects his personal battle with addiction, emotional pain, and the hope for redemption. Written during the pandemic, Jelly Roll and producer David Ray captured the vulnerability of a man who knew his life needed change.
“I was living a lifestyle I couldn’t sustain,” Jelly Roll shared in an interview. “That song was my personal cry for help.” The lyrics reflect that desperation with lines like, “Somebody save me, me from myself…I’m a lost cause…I’m so damaged beyond repair.”
The powerful honesty in his music has resonated with fans across genres. Jelly Roll, now 40, is celebrated for blending country, rock, and rap—a reflection of his diverse musical influences and life experiences. Having spent part of his youth incarcerated and battling personal demons, his songs are a testament to survival and recovery.
Clarkson’s Unforgettable Performance
When Clarkson sang “Save Me” during a segment of “Kellyoke” on her talk show in early 2024, it became one of her most talked-about covers. With her signature raspy emotion and fiery delivery, she gave new life to the already stirring lyrics. The performance captured the anguish, resilience, and plea for healing embedded in the song.
Clarkson’s rendition struck a chord with fans, many of whom praised both artists online. “You know you’ve made it when Kelly Clarkson covers your song,” one fan commented. Others emphasized that while Clarkson’s voice elevated the track, it was Jelly Roll’s heartfelt storytelling that gave the song its soul.
From Pain to Purpose
Jelly Roll’s journey from a troubled past to a celebrated music career is nothing short of remarkable. In 2008, he was in prison when his daughter Bailee was born. Today, he’s a Grammy-nominated artist with a devoted fan base and a growing influence across the music industry.
In 2023, he released a duet version of “Save Me” with country star Lainey Wilson. Then in 2024, rap legend Eminem sampled the track in a collaboration titled “Somebody Save Me,” highlighting the song’s broad cultural impact.
Beyond commercial success, “Save Me” has deeply touched listeners. Fans frequently credit the song with helping them through their darkest moments. One fan posted, “That one single song literally saved my life. Thank you, man. You saved ME.”
Others echoed similar sentiments, with one writing, “I hope you keep doing what you’re doing because you’ve helped me out of some dark places—and I know I’m not the only one.”
A Song That Heals
In reflecting on the song’s impact, Jelly Roll told Billboard, “Seeing how the song impacted people almost immediately gave me the strength to make changes in my own life. ‘Save Me’ truly changed my life in more ways than one.”
Clarkson’s emotional performance not only honored Jelly Roll’s message but helped spread that message to a wider audience. For Jelly Roll, the experience was more than just a proud moment—it was proof that music can be a bridge from pain to healing.
If you haven’t heard her moving version of “Save Me,” it’s worth listening. It’s a tribute not just to a song, but to the human spirit that inspired it.