Photo by Muneeb Syed on Unsplash
As the warm winds swept across the vast, sun-baked California desert, the 2025 edition of the Stagecoach Festival transformed Indio into an epicenter of country music and cultural celebration once again. Known for bringing together the best of the genre — from timeless legends to fresh-faced trailblazers — Stagecoach continues to evolve alongside the shifting landscape of country music. But this year, amid a lineup packed with iconic names and surprise guests, two performers truly stood out: Shaboozey and Jelly Roll. Their unforgettable performances on the festival’s prestigious Mane Stage captivated audiences, signaling a potent new wave of country music that honors tradition while boldly pushing its boundaries.
The Stagecoach Festival: A Tradition and a Transformation
Stagecoach, held annually in Indio, California, has long been a flagship event in country music culture, drawing tens of thousands of fans for a weekend of unforgettable performances. Since its inception, it has served as a bridge between classic country sounds and contemporary innovations, attracting fans and artists from all walks of life.
The 2025 festival was no different, featuring an impressive roster that included legendary groups like Tommy James & the Shondells, chart-topping stars like Nelly, and numerous other high-profile acts. Yet, the true highlight wasn’t just the names — it was the spirit of transformation embodied by emerging artists who are reshaping country music’s identity.
Among these trendsetters, Shaboozey and Jelly Roll carved out moments that were nothing short of electric. Their performances not only energized the crowd but also brought to light the evolving soundscape of country music — one that is increasingly genre-defying, emotionally raw, and culturally inclusive.
Shaboozey’s Journey: From Side Stage to Center Spotlight
For Shaboozey, the 2025 Stagecoach Festival marked a milestone in his rising career. Previously appearing on smaller stages, his elevation to the Mane Stage symbolized both recognition and opportunity. This was not just a gig — it was a declaration of arrival.
His performance was a testament to the full spectrum of his musical influences and creative vision. Blending hip hop rhythms with country storytelling, rock’s raw energy, and Americana’s heartfelt lyricism, Shaboozey crafted a set that was diverse yet cohesive. The crowd was treated to a mix of fan favorites and deeply personal tracks.
One of the most poignant moments came with his rendition of Bob Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.” The song’s melancholic beauty resonated deeply, connecting the new generation of listeners to the rich lineage of American songwriting. It was a bold choice that showcased Shaboozey’s respect for musical history and his ability to reinterpret classics through his unique lens.
Alongside that, his originals like “Last Of My Kind” and “Highway” delivered a powerful narrative of perseverance, identity, and journey. These songs reflect his own experiences navigating multiple genres and cultural spaces, speaking to listeners who don’t fit neatly into one box.
Following his set, Shaboozey shared a heartfelt message on social media, capturing the significance of the moment:
“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!”
This candid reflection speaks volumes about his rapid growth and the expanding community around his music.
The Album That Catapulted Shaboozey to Stardom
Behind the scenes, Shaboozey’s ascent was propelled by the release of his third studio album, Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, which dropped in 2024. This album was a turning point, officially cementing him as a breakout star in the evolving country-rap fusion scene.
The album’s standout single, “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” became a cultural phenomenon, blending catchy hooks with storytelling that defies traditional genre boundaries. This track didn’t just climb the charts; it smashed records, spending an astonishing 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 — tying the record previously held by Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road.”
This achievement was monumental not only for Shaboozey but also for the broader musical landscape. It underscored how country music is embracing more diverse voices and sounds, reflecting a wider cultural shift.
Moreover, the album contributed to historic milestones for Black artists in country music. Shaboozey and Beyoncé made waves on the Hot Country Songs chart with “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and “TEXAS HOLD ‘EM,” respectively. Their back-to-back No. 1 hits marked the first time two Black artists have consecutively topped this chart, shattering barriers and opening doors for future generations.
Expanding the Story: The Complete Edition
In April 2025, Shaboozey expanded on his breakthrough album with the release of Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going: The Complete Edition, a deluxe project that introduced six new tracks and featured collaborations with artists like Myles Smith, Sierra Ferrell, and most notably, Jelly Roll.
The new songs added emotional depth and thematic complexity, allowing Shaboozey to explore themes of healing, reflection, and aspiration. In his own words, releasing the completed edition felt like “finishing a conversation I wasn’t quite done having,” emphasizing the personal growth embedded in the music.
One highlight from the deluxe edition was the collaboration with Jelly Roll on the track “Amen.” The song fused their distinct styles — Shaboozey’s genre-blending narrative and Jelly Roll’s raw, Southern grit — into a soulful anthem of redemption and hope. This partnership was more than a collaboration; it was a powerful statement of unity within the changing country music landscape.
Jelly Roll: A Force of Nature on the Mane Stage
If Shaboozey’s performance marked the rise of a new kind of country star, Jelly Roll’s headlining set reaffirmed why he’s become one of Nashville’s most compelling voices. Known for his unflinching honesty and ability to blend country, rock, and rap, Jelly Roll’s music resonates with fans who appreciate authenticity and emotional candor.
His Stagecoach set was a journey through his personal struggles and triumphs. Tracks like “Save Me,” “Need a Favor,” and “Son of a Sinner” transformed the stage into a confessional space, where thousands of fans joined in a collective catharsis. Jelly Roll’s voice — gravelly, sincere, and filled with pain and hope — cut through the desert air, reminding everyone why storytelling remains at country music’s core.
Jelly Roll’s decision to bring Shaboozey out for “Amen” during his set was a highlight of the festival. The chemistry between the two artists was electric, their shared themes of survival and spiritual reckoning resonating powerfully with the crowd. This moment wasn’t just a performance — it was a symbolic passing of the torch, showcasing how country music’s future lies in collaboration and diversity.
Beyond Music: The Smokehouse Cook-Off
Stagecoach has always been about more than just music; it’s a celebration of culture, food, and community. This year, Shaboozey and Jelly Roll extended their camaraderie beyond the stage into a playful cooking showdown at Guy Fieri’s Stagecoach Smokehouse.
The “Tournament of Champions”-style cook-off saw the two artists compete over the perfect loaded baked potato. While the contest didn’t offer any monetary reward, the prize was street cred — along with some friendly trash talk and good-natured rivalry.
Guy Fieri’s playful announcement crowned Jelly Roll the winner, much to the delight of the crowd:
“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!”
This unexpected battle added an extra layer of fun to the festival atmosphere and revealed a more personal side of the two musicians, showing their ability to connect with fans beyond their music.
The Cultural Impact: A New Chapter in Country Music
The significance of Shaboozey and Jelly Roll’s performances at Stagecoach 2025 cannot be overstated. They represent a growing movement within country music — one that challenges outdated notions of what the genre should sound like and who should be allowed to succeed within it.
Both artists bring elements from outside traditional country — hip hop, rock, and Americana — while staying true to the genre’s storytelling roots. Their success reflects a broader cultural evolution, where boundaries between genres blur, and artists are celebrated for authenticity rather than conformity.
Their rise also speaks to important social progress, particularly in terms of racial representation within country music. By breaking records and topping charts traditionally dominated by white artists, Shaboozey and Jelly Roll are helping to create space for a more diverse and inclusive country music community.
Looking Ahead: The Future Shaped by Innovation and Authenticity
The electric energy Shaboozey and Jelly Roll brought to Stagecoach 2025 feels like the dawn of a new era. One where the spirit of country music — its emphasis on storytelling, connection, and emotional truth — is expanded to embrace new sounds, new voices, and new experiences.
Their performances weren’t isolated moments of brilliance; they were statements of intent, signaling to the industry and fans alike that country music’s future is multifaceted and vibrant.
