Los Angeles
Machine Gun Kelly closed out the 2024 People's Choice Country Awards in spectacular fashion on Thursday (September 26) at the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The rapper, born Colson Baker, delivered a powerful performance of his hit song "Lonely Road," which won the People's Choice Country Award for Best Crossover Song of 2024.
Although the song is a duet with Jelly Roll, who was not present at the awards, MGK performed the track solo, backed by his band on a stage decorated with greenery and string lights. Comedian Matt Rife introduced Kelly, calling him "an artist who continues to redefine the boundaries of music."
Ahead of the awards show, MGK spoke with People about his journey to sobriety. Reflecting on his personal growth, he said, "I had to zoom out and take a look at myself from a holistic perspective. I was born on the 22nd. Twenty-two is a master number. What am I here to master?" He also spoke about breaking generational struggles, mentioning his late father.
In July, MGK and Jelly Roll released "Lonely Road," their first-ever collaboration, which adds a unique twist to John Denver's classic "Take Me Home, Country Roads." The song's music video features cameos from MGK’s fiancée Megan Fox and Jelly Roll’s wife Bunnie Xo.
WATCH: @machinegunkelly performs “Lonely Road” LIVE at the @peopleschoice country awards
mgk won:
? best crossover song for “lonely road”
? best cover song for “sun to me” pic.twitter.com/fzPY6Y5WIk
— colsoncontent (@colsoncontent) September 27, 2024
Also read: People's Choice Country Awards 2024 winners list: Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs and more
In the video, MGK and Jelly play two men struggling to provide for their families, while dealing with emotional challenges, financial difficulties and the pain of infertility. The video ends with Fox cradling a baby while visiting MGK’s character in prison.
Kelly’s performance was just one of many highlights of the night, which also featured acts like Brad Paisley, Kane Brown, Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Lady A, Miranda Lambert, Parker McCollum and The War and Treaty.
The 2024 PCCAs, hosted by Shania Twain, celebrated the best in country music and aired live across NBC and Peacock from the Grand Ole Opry House.