Following a powerful, Gospel-centered acceptance speech at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, Jelly Roll has found himself at the center of online controversy. Now, his wife, Alisa DeFord, is speaking out - calling the backlash "horrific" and "borderline demonic."
During the Feb. 1 ceremony, Jelly Roll won three honors, including Best Contemporary Country Album, and used his platform to openly credit Jesus Christ for transforming his life. Holding up a small Bible during his speech, the singer reflected on a time when all he had was "a Bible this big and a radio the same size in a 6-by-8-foot cell," sharing how both faith and music gave him hope during incarceration.
"I would have never changed my life without you," he told his wife from the stage. "I'd have ended up dead or in jail. I'd have killed myself if it wasn't for you and Jesus." He added, "Jesus is for everybody. Jesus is not owned by one political party... anybody can have a relationship with Him."
The speech quickly went viral - but not all reactions were supportive. Critics across social media accused the artist of being a "performative Christian" and suggested he was leveraging faith to grow his brand. Others argued that religious messaging was out of place at a mainstream awards show.
On a Feb. 8 episode of her "Dumb Blonde" podcast, DeFord addressed the criticism head-on.
"The problem is that people are weaponizing the Bible and religion way more than they are celebrating the name of Jesus," she said. "The reaction is proving why people do not want to be a Christian."
DeFord questioned why anyone would "ever question somebody's walk with God," emphasizing that her husband was not preaching at anyone but simply sharing his testimony.
"All he's saying is, 'Hey, Jesus is for everybody. Jesus does not belong to one political party. Jesus loves you.' And the internet lost their minds," she said.
The controversy has ignited broader debate about expressions of faith in mainstream entertainment spaces. While critics have questioned the sincerity or timing of Jelly Roll's remarks, supporters have praised his transparency and vulnerability - noting his well-documented past struggles with addiction, incarceration, and mental health.
Throughout his career, Jelly Roll has spoken openly about redemption and second chances, often crediting his spiritual journey for helping him rebuild his life and career. His Grammy speech marked one of his most public declarations of faith to date.
As the conversation continues online, DeFord remains steadfast in defending her husband's authenticity.
"He's not telling anyone what to believe," she said. "He's just sharing what saved his life."
For many fans, that message - simple, personal, and rooted in transformation - is precisely why it resonated so deeply.
