Michigan shows love for Jelly Roll at Faster Horses
Jelly Roll loves Michigan. And Michigan loves Jelly Roll.
This was never more evident than during his headlining performance at Faster Horses on Friday. The 39-year-old singer came onstage 15 minutes before his set, his singing accompanied by billows of smoke and fire onstage and illuminated by a nearly full moon. A fan in the audience held up his red prosthetic leg for Jelly Roll to sign – which he did.
“What a crappy show to open,” Jelly Roll said on stage. “This is like a second home, this is a homecoming show here in Michigan.”
The artist, who began his career in the hip-hop genre before moving to country music, brought his own style to the country music festival. Between emotional songs like “Son of a Sinner” and “I Am Not Okay,” Jelly Roll covered songs like “Boyz in the Hood” and “Ms Jackson” in a hip-hop mashup. The crowd loved it; fans chanted “Jelly, Jelly” when it was over.
Jelly Roll also brought back two artists who had played earlier in the day: Tyler Hubbard, who covered “Friends in Low Places,” and Cody Johnson, who sang “Son of a Sinner.” He also brought along DJ Chill from Nashville, who wore a Detroit Tigers jersey.
Thousands of people flocked to the Michigan International Speedway this Friday for the first day of the three-day Faster Horses country music festival. Now in its 11th year since its inaugural edition in 2013, the festival just keeps getting bigger and better.
One thing remains the same every year at Faster Horses: alcohol is everywhere. The closer you get to the main stage, the stronger the sticky-sweet smell of spilled mineral water becomes. From all sides, festival-goers greet the stage with head-sized cans of Miller Lite and Red, White & Berry Smirnoff Ice Smashes. These drinks aren’t cheap either: a Mango White Claw costs $16 and a domestic beer like a Coors Light costs $15.
Shortly before Jelly Roll took the stage, Johnson played a 90-minute set. Between songs from his 2023 album “Leather,” Johnson took the time to pay tribute to the military, police, firefighters and first responders. He also condemned the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump last Saturday, saying, “This is absolutely disgusting.”
“If you want to change something in our country, then go vote on election day,” said Johnson. “For me, only three things are important in this country: red, white and blue!”
After thunderous applause, Johnson sang “God Bless America” with the crowd, who chanted “USA!” after his performance. Festival-goers waved their cowboy hats and drinks in the air and cheered in approval.
Previously, Hubbard, one half of the music duo Florida Georgia Line, had the audience on their feet with some songs from his 2024 solo album “Strong” and old classics such as “Meant to Be” by Bebe Rexha feat. Florida Georgia Line and “Cruise” by Florida Georgia Line.
“Thank you all for coming to the party. Let’s have fun,” Hubbard said on stage. “I know this is the loudest party in the nation here.”
Between performances on the main stage, DJ Rod Youree kept the crowd’s spirits up with country and pop hits. Zach Bryan’s soulful voice echoed across the field as attendees sang along to his hit “Revival” just as loudly as they screamed when they first recognized the iconic intro to The Killers’ “Mr Brightside.” During Lil Jon’s “Shots,” the crowd obediently raised their hands when they heard the line “Now where my alcoholics? Let me see yo’ hands up!”
No festival is complete without the right attire. Some people took Friday’s official theme, “Neon Cowboy,” very seriously. Their bright yellow bikini tops and Barbie-pink overalls contrasted with Faster Horses’ unofficial theme: the good ol’ USA. Several people wore “Arrest This!” T-shirts featuring former President Donald Trump giving the double middle finger amid a sea of American flag tank tops and red, white and blue hair bows.
There were also a few festival-goers wearing T-shirts that read “Hawk Tuah, spit on that thang,” a reference to a viral video-turned-meme of 21-year-old Hailey Welch, who then became the “Hawk Tuah” girl.
Katie Moss, 29, of Shelby Township, took the neon theme to heart. Dressed head to toe in pink, Moss wore a dazzling cowboy hat and boots, rhinestone cowboy boot earrings and heart-shaped sunglasses. She’s looking forward to Saturday and Sunday’s themes: The ’70s and Rockstar Rodeo.
“Tomorrow I’m wearing a floral denim look,” Moss said. “On Sunday I’ll wear something black and stars.”
This is Moss’ third time taking part in Faster Horses and she is grateful for the good weather: the year before, she and other participants had to be evacuated due to a lightning strike.
“I’m looking forward to Jelly Roll and Lainey Wilson,” Moss said. “You see a lot of people, a lot of country artists. Good atmosphere, nice people.”
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