If you were watching the 58th Annual CMA Awards in late 2024, you probably saw something that felt less like a standard awards show performance and more like a revival meeting. When the lights came up on Jelly Roll standing alongside Brooks & Dunn, the energy in Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena shifted. They weren't just playing a hit. They were exhaling a piece of country music history.
The song was "Believe."
Originally released in 2005 on the Hillbilly Deluxe album, "Believe" has always been Ronnie Dunn’s powerhouse vocal showcase. It’s a heavy song about faith, loss, and the "words written in red." But when you add Jelly Roll—a man whose entire brand is built on redemption and the struggle of the "backslider"—the track takes on a completely different weight.
The Story Behind the Collaboration
Honestly, some people were skeptical when Brooks & Dunn announced Reboot II. The first Reboot album in 2019 was a massive success, but for the sequel, Kix and Ronnie decided to throw the rulebook out the window. They told the guest artists to "make it yours." No guardrails. No trying to mimic the original 90s and 2000s magic.
Basically, they gave Jelly Roll the keys to the kingdom.
Jelly Roll didn't just show up to sing a verse. He brought his whole story. You’ve got Ronnie Dunn’s surgical precision and legendary grit paired with Jelly’s raw, trembling delivery. It’s a contrast that shouldn't work on paper, but in the studio—and especially on that CMA stage—it was undeniable.
Why "Believe" Was the Only Choice for Jelly Roll
A lot of fans wondered why he didn't do something high-energy like "Boot Scootin' Boogie" or "Brand New Man." But if you know Jelly Roll’s journey from the Antioch neighborhood of Nashville to the top of the charts, "Believe" is the only song that fits.
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The lyrics tell the story of "Old Man Wrigley," a neighbor who lost his wife and baby but kept his faith. Jelly Roll has spent years talking about his own "Old Man Wrigleys"—the mentors and the moments of grace he found while incarcerated or struggling with addiction. When he sings about finding "more and more truth in the words written in red," you actually believe him. He isn't acting.
What Happened at the 2024 CMA Awards
The live performance of jelly roll brooks and dunn believe is already being cited as one of the "all-time" CMA moments. It wasn't just the singing. It was the visual of the industry’s past and its current "disruptor" standing shoulder to shoulder.
- The Crowd Reaction: You could see artists like Lainey Wilson and Luke Bryan visibly moved in the front rows.
- The Arrangement: This wasn't the acoustic-heavy 2005 version. It was cinematic. It had a massive gospel choir feel toward the end that pushed the song into a crescendo Ronnie and Jelly had to fight to stay on top of.
- The Vocal Hand-off: Ronnie Dunn still has the best pipes in the business, but he stepped back to let Jelly lead the second verse, creating a "passing of the torch" vibe that felt very intentional.
Breaking Down Reboot II
You can find the studio version of this collaboration on Reboot II, which dropped on November 15, 2024. The album itself is a bit of a wild ride. While the first Reboot felt like a polished tribute, this one is experimental.
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- Variety of Sound: You’ve got everything from Halestorm turning "Boot Scootin' Boogie" into a hard rock anthem to The Earls of Leicester giving "How Long Gone" a bluegrass makeover.
- The Impact of "Believe": Out of all 18 tracks, "Believe" stands out because it doesn't try to be "cool" or "modern." It stays firmly in the dirt and the pews.
- Critical Reception: Most critics have noted that while some tracks on the album feel like fun "what-ifs," the Jelly Roll collaboration feels essential.
Why This Matters for Country Music Right Now
Country music is in a weird, beautiful place in 2026. The lines between genres are thinner than they've ever been. You have guys like Post Malone and Shaboozey topping the charts alongside traditionalists.
Brooks & Dunn could have easily retired into the sunset. They don't need to record with the new kids. But by bringing in Jelly Roll for a song as sacred as "Believe," they validated a whole new generation of fans who might have never listened to a Brooks & Dunn record otherwise.
It’s about more than just streaming numbers. It’s about the fact that the themes of the song—loss, the hope of seeing loved ones again, and the struggle to keep the faith—are universal. They don't belong to one decade or one type of singer.
Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're looking to dive deeper into this specific musical moment, here is how to get the most out of it:
- Watch the Live Version First: Don't just stream it on Spotify. Find the 2024 CMA Awards footage. The chemistry between Ronnie Dunn and Jelly Roll is something you have to see to fully appreciate.
- Compare the Versions: Listen to the 2005 original from Hillbilly Deluxe right before the Reboot II version. Notice how the tempo and the "soul" of the track change when the gospel elements are dialed up.
- Check Out "Hard Fought Hallelujah": If you liked the spiritual energy of this collab, listen to Jelly Roll’s work with Brandon Lake. It’s a direct result of the momentum from the "Believe" performance.
- Explore the Rest of Reboot II: Don't sleep on the Marcus King or Lainey Wilson tracks. They show just how much range Brooks & Dunn’s songwriting actually has.
The collaboration on jelly roll brooks and dunn believe isn't just a "cover." It’s a reminder that great songs are living things. They change as we change. In 2005, "Believe" was a song about a neighbor. In 2026, it’s become an anthem for anyone looking for a second chance.