Photo by Muneeb Syed on Unsplash
The Southern California desert once again came alive with the twang of guitars, the stomp of cowboy boots, and the roar of country music lovers as the Stagecoach Festival 2025 rolled into Indio. This year’s lineup was as eclectic as ever, featuring a blend of country legends, genre-bending stars, and unexpected icons. But among the many memorable performances, two names dominated the conversation: Shaboozey and Jelly Roll. Together, they delivered a one-two punch of authenticity, genre fusion, and raw talent that left an indelible mark on the Mane Stage.
While the weekend boasted historic performances from acts like Tommy James & the Shondells and surprise cross-genre turns from artists like Nelly, it was Shaboozey and Jelly Roll who captured the spirit of the new country — a version of the genre that embraces diversity, innovation, and emotional resonance.
Their back-to-back performances didn’t just entertain; they seemed to usher in a new era of country music, one that’s more inclusive and sonically adventurous. Fans walked away not only impressed, but emotionally moved — a testament to the magnetic energy both artists brought to the stage.
Shaboozey’s return to Stagecoach was nothing short of triumphant. Having previously performed on a smaller platform, his elevation to the Mane Stage felt like both a personal victory and a sign of cultural progress. His set was a genre-bending journey through the sounds that have shaped him — country, hip hop, rock, and soul — all filtered through his unique storytelling lens.
He captivated the audience with a soulful cover of Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door,” a choice that spoke to his reverence for music history. But it was his original tracks like “Last Of My Kind” and “Highway” that drew the loudest cheers, each lyric dripping with vulnerability, wanderlust, and resilience. It was a performance that felt both intimate and epic — a balancing act that only a true artist can pull off.
After the show, Shaboozey took to social media to reflect on the experience:
“Never seen that many people in my life. The family got a lot bigger yesterday! Went from the side stage to the main stage. Stagecoach, once again, I’m thankful [to] you for everything!”
The post was a heartfelt thank-you to the fans and the festival that believed in his evolution. And the truth is, his rise is no fluke.
In 2024, Shaboozey released his third studio album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, a title that now feels prophetic. The album became a cultural phenomenon, largely driven by the viral success of the single “A Bar Song (Tipsy).” Fusing hip hop beats with country drawl and rock attitude, the track was a bold declaration that country music could — and should — evolve.
The song’s massive success was underscored by its 19-week reign at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, tying the record previously set by Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road.” For Shaboozey, this was more than just a chart achievement — it was a validation of his hybrid sound and a signal that the genre was shifting toward something broader and more inclusive.
It was also a landmark moment for Black artists in country music. Alongside Beyoncé’s “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,” the two artists made history as the first Black performers to consecutively top the Hot Country Songs chart. This moment wasn’t just symbolic; it represented the future of country music — vibrant, diverse, and genre-fluid.
To build on that momentum, Shaboozey released a deluxe edition of the album titled Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going: The Complete Edition in April 2025. This expanded project featured six new songs and appearances from Myles Smith, Sierra Ferrell, and Jelly Roll. One of the standout additions was “Amen,” a powerful duet with Jelly Roll that encapsulated themes of redemption, survival, and spiritual reckoning.
In a press statement, Shaboozey shared the emotional depth behind the expanded release:
“Putting out the completed version… felt like finishing a conversation I wasn’t quite done having. These songs gave me the space to reflect, to heal and to dream bigger than before.”
It’s this kind of vulnerability and introspection that continues to draw fans to Shaboozey. He’s not just making music; he’s building a universe — one where people from all backgrounds can see themselves and feel understood.
Not to be outdone, Jelly Roll’s headlining performance was a testament to how far the Nashville native has come. His set was one of the most anticipated of the festival, and he delivered with all the grit, humor, and heart his fans have come to love.
Jelly Roll’s ability to blend outlaw country, Southern rock, and rap isn’t just musically compelling — it’s emotionally gripping. Songs like “Save Me,” “Need a Favor,” and “Son of a Sinner” turned the Mane Stage into a confessional booth, where thousands of fans sang along to stories of struggle, addiction, love, and faith.
He brought out Shaboozey for a surprise appearance during their joint track “Amen,” transforming the moment into a symbolic handshake between two generations of genre rebels. The chemistry between them was undeniable — a fusion of authenticity and artistry that few duos could replicate.
Jelly Roll also used his set to spotlight other collaborators, creating a sense of community on stage that echoed through the festival grounds. In many ways, he wasn’t just performing — he was preaching the gospel of perseverance.
As if their musical collaboration wasn’t enough, Shaboozey and Jelly Roll extended their on-stage chemistry into a more lighthearted arena — Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse. The two went head-to-head in a “Tournament of Champions”-style cook-off, with loaded baked potatoes as the battlefield.
The friendly culinary competition added a dose of fun to the festival and showed a different side of both artists. While the stakes were low (no cash, no trophies), the bragging rights were sky-high.
“And the winner will be, for no cash or prizes but just street cred and a lot of smack talk, give it up for Chef Jelly Roll!” Fieri declared to roaring applause.
The moment encapsulated everything that makes Stagecoach such a beloved event — the seamless mix of music, culture, food, and community.
What Shaboozey and Jelly Roll brought to Stagecoach 2025 was more than just hit songs and powerhouse performances. They brought vision. They embodied the genre’s roots while breaking its boundaries. They represented both tradition and transformation — a delicate dance that’s hard to get right, but essential for growth.
Their shared spotlight didn’t feel like a coincidence. It felt like a curated statement: country music is changing, and these are the artists leading the charge.
Whether it was the sonic storytelling of Shaboozey or the gritty gospel of Jelly Roll, both men proved that country music has space for everyone — regardless of background, sound, or story. And perhaps most importantly, they reminded fans why festivals like Stagecoach matter: they are not just concerts, but cultural crossroads where the past and future meet.
