Fresh off his electrifying performances at the CMA Awards on November 20, Jelly Roll is making waves again. This time, the breakout star has joined forces with Grammy-nominated band OneRepublic for an exciting new version of "Hurt," the lead single from their latest album, Artificial Paradise. The collaboration, accompanied by a powerful music video, is a seamless blend of Jelly Roll's heartfelt lyrics and OneRepublic's iconic sound.
A New Take on "Hurt" with Jelly Roll
The alternate version of "Hurt" brings a fresh perspective to the song, with Jelly Roll adding his emotional depth to OneRepublic’s chart-ready anthem. Released on November 21, the song has already started gaining traction, with fans praising its emotional resonance and dynamic production.
OneRepublic initially teased the collaboration in a TikTok video, featuring lead singer Ryan Tedder and Jelly Roll performing the song in a car. The caption read, "We’ve been waiting for this one," and the clip has since garnered significant buzz online, fueling excitement among both fanbases.
Behind the Scenes: TikTok Teaser Sparks Excitement
The TikTok teaser showed Ryan Tedder crooning the opening lines of "Hurt" before the camera panned to Jelly Roll, who seamlessly joined in with his verse. This playful yet powerful interaction highlighted their chemistry, setting the tone for what would become a celebrated musical partnership.
OneRepublic’s Artificial Paradise: A Career Highlight
"Hurt" is just one of many standout tracks from Artificial Paradise, OneRepublic's sixth studio album. Known for their genre-spanning music, the album includes other hits like "Sunshine," "Runaway," and "Nobody." With a career spanning over two decades, OneRepublic has scored four top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, including "Counting Stars," "I Ain’t Worried," and their 2007 smash hit "Apologize" with Timbaland.
Jelly Roll’s Rise: From CMA Awards to Headlining Tours
Jelly Roll, known for his unique blend of country and hip-hop influences, has been on a meteoric rise. His recent album, Beautifully Broken, debuted on the Billboard 200 and features fan-favorite tracks like "Liar" and "I Am Not Okay." The star has also achieved six No. 1 hits on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, solidifying his place in country music.
Currently on his headlining Beautifully Broken Tour, Jelly Roll is set to perform at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on November 26, a milestone in his career that highlights his growing influence.
Collaborating Beyond Genres: Jingle Ball Tour Memories
This isn’t the first time Jelly Roll and OneRepublic have shared a stage. Both artists were part of the 2023 iHeartRadio Jingle Ball Tour, which stopped at iconic venues like New York City’s Madison Square Garden and Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena. Their performances captivated audiences, showcasing their ability to connect across musical styles and genres.
Music’s Power to Unite Audiences
This collaboration is a testament to the power of music to bring people together. By blending Jelly Roll’s raw, emotional storytelling with OneRepublic’s polished pop-rock melodies, "Hurt" has become a track that resonates deeply with listeners from diverse backgrounds.
Fans can look forward to more innovative projects from these two powerhouse acts as they continue to redefine the boundaries of modern music.