Jelly Roll used his guest-hosting slot on Jimmy Kimmel Live! to clarify that he holds views across the political spectrum, after jokes about Donald Trump drew criticism from some conservatives. He said he regretted declining to discuss politics after winning three Grammys, arguing that dignity, compassion and support for struggling people should not be partisan issues.

The singer described himself as a Christian, country musician, farmer and bow hunter, while saying he leans left on some matters but is generally “down the middle”. He said he had feared any Grammy comments would be interpreted politically, but now believed he should have stressed the Christian instruction to love one’s neighbour; his Grammys speech had instead focused on faith, recovery and how music helped change his life.