Country Music

Brooks & Dunn and Jelly Roll – Believe | 2024 CMA Awards Performance

Introduction

This may contain: two men standing on stage with microphones in their hands and music instruments behind them

Brooks & Dunn’s “Believe” is a deeply evocative ballad originally released in October 2005 as the second single off their album Hillbilly Deluxe. Co-written by Ronnie Dunn and Craig Wiseman, the song blends country and gospel elements into a soul-stirring narrative of faith, loss, and renewal—anchored by the memory of a young boy’s friendship with an elderly neighbor, “Old Man Wrigley.”.

The song’s emotional impact was recognized at the 2006 Country Music Association Awards, where it swept the top honors, winning Single of the Year, Song of the Year, and Music Video of the Year. Over the years, “Believe” has been celebrated for its poignant storytelling and has been ranked No. 33 on Rolling Stone’s list of the “40 Saddest Country Songs of All Time.”

Fast forward to November 2024: Brooks & Dunn released REBOOT II, a rejuvenating project that revisits their classic songs through collaborations with contemporary artists. Among the standout reinterpretations is “Believe,” now reimagined with the raw emotion and grit of Jelly Roll. .

On November 20, 2024, at the 58th CMA Awards in Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, Brooks & Dunn invited Jelly Roll to the stage for a live rendition of this reimagined “Believe.” Kix Brooks began at the piano, setting a reverent tone, while Jelly Roll delivered the narrative with soulful intensity. As Ronnie Dunn joined, the performance swelled into a gospel-infused crescendo, supported by strings and choir—bringing many in the audience to tears and earning a standing ovation.

This performance wasn’t just nostalgia—it was a bridge between eras: 1990s country icons alongside a modern-day voice, underscoring the enduring power of “Believe” to resonate across generations.

I hope this introduction captures both the rich history of the song and the emotional significance of this 2024 CMA Awards performance. Let me know if you’d like deeper exploration of lyrics, artists, or production!

Video

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