“We Didn’t Expect to Feel This… And Yet Here We Are, Fighting Back Tears Every Time We Sing It.” These words, shared by Ronnie Dunn in a post-performance interview, perfectly capture the overwhelming impact of Brooks & Dunn’s latest rendition of their 2005 ballad “Believe”, reimagined with rising star Jelly Roll for their Reboot II album. Released in November 2024, this powerful collaboration has not only struck a deep emotional chord with fans worldwide but has skyrocketed to become one of the duo’s highest-charting and most-streamed releases in decades, leaving listeners stunned, tearful, and profoundly moved.

From the first crystalline note—Jelly Roll’s raw, gospel-infused opening blending seamlessly with Dunn’s timeless baritone—every word pours out raw emotion, telling a story of love, sacrifice, loss, and redemption that feels like it has lived inside Brooks & Dunn their entire lives. Originally a poignant track from their Hillbilly Deluxe album, “Believe” was already a fan favorite, earning acclaim for its narrative of an elderly man reflecting on faith amid heartbreak. But this refreshed version elevates it to new heights, transforming a beloved classic into a modern anthem of healing and hope.

The magic ignited at the 2024 CMA Awards in November, where Brooks & Dunn joined Jelly Roll for a live performance that turned Bridgestone Arena into a sea of raised arms and visible tears. Backed by a soaring choir, horns, and strings, the trio delivered a rendition that amplified the song’s spiritual depth. Jelly Roll, known for his own journey from hardship to redemption, infused call-and-response ad-libs that heightened the gospel tones, while Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn provided the steady, heartfelt foundation. Audience members, including stars like Carly Pearce and Little Big Town’s Philip Sweet and Jimi Westbrook (who openly wept), were visibly overcome. Clips of the performance went viral overnight, amassing millions of views and sparking an outpouring of personal stories from fans about loss, faith, and resilience.

This wasn’t the first reboot of “Believe”—Kane Brown joined them on the 2019 Reboot album—but Jelly Roll’s pairing proved electric. As Dunn later reflected, the collaboration unearthed emotions even the duo hadn’t anticipated. “We’ve sung this song thousands of times,” he admitted, “but with Jelly, it hits different. It’s like reliving every heartache we’ve ever known.” Kix Brooks echoed the sentiment, noting how Jelly Roll’s vulnerability brought fresh layers to the lyrics, making the story of an old man advising a young boy on belief feel urgently contemporary.

Reboot II, the sequel to their acclaimed 2019 collaboration project, features Brooks & Dunn re-recording classics with today’s hottest artists, including Morgan Wallen (“Neon Moon”), Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, and more. Produced with creative freedom for guests, the album celebrates the duo’s enduring catalog while bridging generations. Yet “Believe” stands out as the emotional pinnacle, quickly becoming the breakout track. Streaming numbers surged post-CMAs, pushing it into the Top 10 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart—marking one of their strongest chart performances since the early 2000s—and dominating platforms like Spotify and Apple Music playlists.

Fans across the globe have shared tearful reactions. Social media floods with videos of listeners breaking down in cars, at weddings, or during quiet moments at home. “This song wrecked me in the best way,” one viral post read, garnering hundreds of thousands of likes. Others describe it as a “religious experience,” echoing critics who called the CMA performance “the most moving music collaboration” of the year. The song’s themes—finding faith amid pain, the quiet heroism of enduring love—resonate deeply in today’s world, offering solace to those grappling with personal struggles.

Brooks & Dunn’s legacy as country’s best-selling duo (over 30 million albums) is built on such emotional authenticity. Formed in 1990, Kix Brooks and Ronnie Dunn exploded with hits like “Boot Scootin’ Boogie,” “Neon Moon,” and “My Maria,” blending honky-tonk energy with heartfelt ballads. After a 2010 hiatus, their 2019 reunion and Reboot series reaffirmed their vitality. At ages 70 and 72, they’re touring arenas on the Neon Moon Tour (extending into 2025-2026), headlining festivals, and collaborating with icons like Reba McEntire.

Jelly Roll’s involvement adds poignant synergy. The genre-blending artist, whose own hits like “Save Me” explore redemption, brings authenticity to “Believe.” His gospel roots shine, turning the ballad into a cathartic powerhouse. As Brooks noted, “Jelly didn’t just sing it—he lived it with us.”

The impact extends beyond charts. Radio stations report unprecedented requests, with DJs sharing caller stories of healing. At live shows, audiences sing along through tears, arms raised in unison. Even skeptics of reboot projects admit this version transcends—raw, vulnerable, and timeless.

In early 2026, as the Neon Moon Tour continues and whispers of new original material circulate (Dunn teasing something “huge” for later in the year), “Believe” remains a beacon. It proves Brooks & Dunn’s music isn’t frozen in the ’90s; it evolves, touching new souls while reminding old fans why they fell in love.

This unexpected emotional surge—Dunn and Brooks fighting tears onstage, fans worldwide doing the same—underscores country music’s power to connect. A story of sacrifice and faith, reborn through collaboration, “Believe” isn’t just a song; it’s a reminder that some melodies heal across decades. Here we are, indeed—moved, grateful, and believing all over again.