Jessie Murph’s appearance at the 2025 Academy of Country Music Awards was anything but ordinary. While many celebrities made headlines for their glam looks and star-studded entourages, Jessie caught everyone off guard with her unexpected date — an actual pig named Wilbur.
Dressed for the occasion, the little pig was an instant crowd favorite, turning heads and sparking plenty of laughs on the red carpet.
A Red Carpet Guest Like No Other
Instead of arriving with a typical plus-one, Jessie walked the carpet at the Ford Center in Frisco, Texas, on May 8 with Wilbur in tow. He wasn’t just tagging along—he showed up in a specially designed outfit featuring a matching bow that Jessie had teased ahead of the event.
“I always thought I wanted a mini pig growing up,” Jessie shared in a pre-show chat with "Country Now." “But then I found out miniature pigs don’t actually exist. So I got Wilbur anyway, because why not?” Her casual charm and love for animals made the moment feel fun, spontaneous, and completely her.
Instagram | entertainmenttonight | Jessie brought Wilbur, dressed in a special outfit with a bow, to the Frisco event.
Jelly Roll's Unexpected Pig Encounter
The real highlight came when country music favorite Jelly Roll bumped into Jessie and Wilbur on the carpet. His reaction? Pure joy. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he joked, “Jessie Murph just tried to hand us a pig. Like, an actual pig.”
Jessie even handed Wilbur over to Jelly Roll and his wife, Bunnie Xo, for a few moments. Jelly’s grin stretched ear to ear, clearly loving every second. Bunnie leaned in and gave the pig a kiss, sealing the deal — Wilbur had officially stolen the spotlight.
Jessie’s ACM Debut and Rising Star Status
The Alabama-born singer wasn’t just there to stir up red carpet chatter — she was also nominated for New Female Artist of the Year. The nomination came as a shock to her.
“It totally caught me off guard. I’ve never really thought of myself as a country artist in the traditional sense,” she admitted. “But being here with all this support is pretty surreal.”
Coming off a major performance at Coachella, Jessie’s blend of genres and fearless individuality is clearly resonating. Her casual yet confident attitude made it clear that she’s carving out her own space in the music world — pig in tow or not.
The Pig That Stole the Show
Instagram | makeupbyhailee | Wilbur, with his little bowtie and endearing quietness, added a sweet touch to country music's grandest evening.
Wilbur may not have known he was at one of country music’s biggest nights, but he definitely played the part. From his tiny bowtie to the way he quietly stole hearts along the red carpet, he added a lighthearted moment to an otherwise glamorous affair.
Fans and attendees couldn't get enough of the pig. Photos of Wilbur quickly circulated online, with many calling it one of the most memorable moments of the night. It’s not every day a pig becomes a red carpet star.
Why This Pig Moment Mattered
Jessie’s decision to bring Wilbur wasn’t just about shock value. It was a reminder of how artists today are bringing more of their personality and real-life quirks into the spotlight. Whether it’s her unfiltered interviews or unpredictable red carpet moments, Jessie is clearly staying true to herself.
And yes, Wilbur probably had no idea what was going on. But he made plenty of new fans, including Jelly Roll, who might be thinking about adding a pig to his family now.
Jessie’s Star Is Rising
Jessie Murph may be new to the country scene, but she’s already proving that she doesn’t follow a script. From walking into the ACMs with a pig to humbly acknowledging her place in the genre, she’s making moves her own way.
The pig may have been the unexpected twist, but Jessie’s voice, authenticity, and fresh energy are what truly stood out. Whether or not she takes home more awards in the future, moments like this show she’s not afraid to break the mold, one red carpet pig at a time.
