What did Forrest Frank say? Jelly Roll calls out singer over award show boycott post

Forrest Frank is sharing his opinions on awards.

The Christian singer-songwriter, recognized for tracks like God Is Good and Your Way’s Better, turned down major honors in the Christian music scene, including Artist of the Year, after announcing that he would no longer attend award shows. His reasoning was straightforward:

“The trophy is our salvation.”

In a video posted ahead of the Dove Awards, Forrest Frank explained that he felt spiritually conflicted about standing onstage to accept earthly praise for what he views as God’s work.

“I’m convicted that I will not receive a trophy for something that is from Jesus and for Jesus, I hope to be an example to the youth that the trophy is our salvation. The trophy is that my name is listed in the Book of Life, and I get to have eternal life,” he shared.

Forrest Frank emphasized that his decision was not an act of defiance.

“This is not a refusal to be a light in dark places, this is a refusal to go on stages and get awards. I already got the greatest award of all time,” he explained.

His stance quickly sparked debate online. While some admired his conviction, others criticized the move. Now, singer Jelly Roll is calling out the singer over his post.

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Jelly Roll responds after Forrest Frank explains why he won’t attend award shows

When Forrest Frank shared his heartfelt video on Instagram about his decision to skip award shows, saying his music was “from Jesus and for Jesus,” not everyone agreed with him. As reported by the New York Post, Jelly Roll was one of the first to respond, and he didn’t hold back.

“Won’t receive trophy for something from Jesus for Jesus but will take the profits from something from Jesus for Jesus. Maybe im missing something here lol,” he wrote.

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Forrest Frank reflects on the faith and authenticity behind his breakout album Child Of God

Back in July, Forrest Frank’s Child Of God stormed onto Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart at No. 1, and stayed there for 13 weeks. The album became the biggest Christian debut of the year, as highlighted in an interview shared by Grammy on January 29, 2025.

Just a few months later, in October, Frank’s breakout project brought him two GMA Dove Awards, New Artist of the Year and Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year for “GOOD DAY.” Then came another milestone: in November, Child of God earned him his first Grammy nomination.

The album’s impact was deeper than the accolades. Child of God's charm came from how it reimagined what Christian music could sound like: upbeat, relatable, and cool. The same bright tone that once defined Frank’s earlier ventures, from Surfaces to his solo project Forrest., found new purpose here. And this time, using his full name mattered.

To him, Child of God felt like the most honest version of himself.

“When I was growing up, I didn't necessarily have cool Christian music to listen to. If I was going to the gym or if I was at the beach, it seemed like there weren't really any Christian songs that would fit those facets of life… So, I aspired to make Christian music that I think is cool, I'm just making it the way that I love it. I think that authenticity is what kids resonate with,” he shared.

Even as Child of God became a commercial success, Forrest Frank stayed grounded. He admitted he “couldn't foresee any success from it” when he started, and credited the journey entirely to his faith.

“It's felt like God is just holding my hand through it, so I can't take any credit for it,” he explained.

According to Forrest Frank, his story wasn’t about chasing recognition; it was about rediscovering meaning. Child of God didn’t just mark a chart-topping success; it marked a turning point for a musician who decided that faith, not fame, would define his future.