Recently, Jason Bradley DeFord, better known online as Jelly Roll, posted a video. The musician, who is well-known for his exuberant demeanour and intensely emotive lyrics, underwent a remarkable metamorphosis that caught his fans’ attention and has everyone talking.

The country-rap artist posted a video of himself on stage with Chad Kroeger, the frontman of Nickelback, unexpectedly joining him. Their duet thrilled Jelly Roll, who said he has been covering Nickelback songs “for a decade.”

Fans soon turned their focus to Jelly Roll’s appearance despite Kroeger and Jelly Roll’s outstanding performance. “Looks so different,” remarked one fan. Another person said, “Jelly roll looks so much healthier!”

In the video, Jelly Roll wore a black shirt, a vest, a pair of black pants, and a white gold chain necklace. His trimmed-down frame left fans buzzing. “YJ losing some weight !! [sic]” a third fan wrote.

“[Jelly Roll] is looking healthy! Good to see him living his best life,” one fan praised. “Is Jelly slimming down? I haven’t seen his face this thin since Goodnight Shirley,” another shared.

Online support for Jelly Roll’s metamorphosis was overwhelming. As “American Idol’s” first-ever “Artist in Residence,” the artist never fails to dazzle viewers with his skill and life story.

He previously went onstage with well-known sports expert Pat McAfee at the Big Night AHT event in April. Internet users have been commenting on Jelly Roll’s remarkable weight loss after McAfee posted a video of their exchange on X. Numerous people have praised the singer, pointing out how amazing he looks.

Wearing an all-black outfit that accentuated his notably smaller physique, Jelly Roll exuded confidence and contagious energy as he moved about the platform. A backward cap sat snuggly on top of his head, and his trademark chains glittered in the arena lights, but it was his unmistakable glow and dazzling smile that stole the show.

McAfee pointed out the obvious as the audience erupted in cheers, sarcastically marvelling at the enormity of Jelly Roll’s metamorphosis.

“Now, speaking of your person, it looks like, uh, you lost a person. Congratulations!” stated McAfee. The musician didn’t hesitate to share his numbers, proudly revealing that he had dropped from a staggering 540 pounds down to 357.

That announcement alone sent the audience into another frenzy, but what he said next left the crowd roaring. “I’m gonna lose another 100 pounds and go skydiving with my wife in Sweden, baby!” shouted Jelly Roll with a huge smile.

His exuberance was met with heartfelt encouragement from McAfee, who responded with admiration and support, “Well, we’re all proud of you, we need you to survive brother, you’re one of the good ones.” Above the video, the sports analyst captioned, “You look UNBELIEVABLE.”

McAfee posted an Instagram message promoting Big Night AHT and its contents a few days prior to the event.

“Wednesday night, 8 p.m. Eastern, PPG Paints Arena of next week. It will be streamed live on YouTube, X, and TikTok. The show is gonna be outrageous. We’re gonna be giving away […] money; we’re gonna have some surprise performances from folks. Hopefully some sing-alongs; hopefully some laughs, and hopefully a night that people will talk about forever,” explained the commentator.

Hulu re-aired the whole show, including behind-the-scenes videos, on April 8, 2025.

When McAfee posted the footage of his chat with Jelly Roll at his event a few days after making the news, internet responses to the singer’s attendance were quick. In celebration of his amazing development, fans flocked to social media.

Many were taken aback by how dramatic his transformation appeared, with one person remarking, “Almost unrecognizable if not for the face tats kudos [sic].” The sentiment was echoed by others who praised his physical change and the evident joy he carried with him onstage.

“Good for him!!!! Looks good! He seems like he is GLOWING!!” exclaimed one supporter, while another enthusiastically added, “Wow!! Fantastic .”

Messages of encouragement poured in from all directions. An admirer applauded the musician’s hard work, writing, “Good job!! Very impressive and you have extended your life!” Someone else chimed in, “That is incredible keep up the good work [sic].”

Additional remarks included admiration for Jelly Roll’s commitment and astonishment at how someone weighing 357 pounds could look so trim and vivacious. Another admirer reaffirmed his attractiveness.

The “Best For Me” singer has previously left the public pleasantly surprised by his weight loss, as evidenced by the recent outpouring of adulation. When he made an appearance in a Zevia drink advertisement, online users immediately praised the celebrity’s body.