WYNONNA JUDD SHARES HONEST RESPONSE AFTER CMA PERFORMANCE WITH JELLY ROLL “I WAS SO NERVOUS,” SHE ADMITS TO SUPPORTIVE FANS

“I Was So Nervous, I Just Held On for Dear Life”

Country music legend Wynonna Judd is setting the record straight after fans raised questions about her emotional appearance during a duet with Jelly Roll at the 2023 CMA Awards.

The 59-year-old singer joined Jelly Roll on stage for a powerful performance of his hit song “Need a Favor,” opening the show with a gospel-infused moment that had everyone talking — not just about the music, but also about Wynonna’s visible tension and the way she clutched Jelly Roll’s arm throughout the song.

 WYNONNA RESPONDS WITH HONESTY AND HEART

In a candid TikTok video shared the next morning, Wynonna addressed the public’s concern directly:

“So they say don’t read the comments… but I read the comments!” she said with a laugh. “I’m just gonna come clean with y’all — I was so freaking nervous. I got out there, looked at Jelly Roll, and I just wanted it to be perfect for him.”

Wynonna admitted she fought back tears before stepping on stage because she’s such a big fan of Jelly Roll, and wanted to do justice to the performance he invited her to share.

“I’m such a fan of his,” she continued. “He asked me to sing, and I said absolutely. But I was nervous, and that’s the truth. So I just held on for dear life.”

EMOTION BEHIND THE MUSIC

The “Give a Little Love” singer took a break from her Back to Wy tour to appear at the CMAs, and revealed that the night was particularly emotional due to personal reasons. Speaking backstage with Extra, Wynonna opened up:

“I had a tough Mama day,” she said, referring to the death of her mother, Naomi Judd, in April 2022.

The late Naomi Judd was one half of the iconic duo The Judds, alongside her daughter Wynonna. Her passing — ruled a suicide — deeply impacted the country music community and especially Wynonna, who has since spoken publicly about navigating grief while continuing her music journey.

“People think we make it look easy, and that’s our job,” she explained. “But the truth is, tonight was heavy, sweet, and wonderful — and such is life.”

“I’ll be back on stage Thursday night in Texas, surrounded by the people I love the most — and you, the fans I love the most. And all is well.”

The performance may have stirred concern, but Wynonna’s transparency and strength have reminded fans why she remains one of the most beloved voices in country music — not just for her talent, but for her authenticity.