Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake Take “Hard Fought Hallelujah” to the World
Brandon Lake’s collaboration with Jelly Roll on “Hard Fought Hallelujah”—originally released as a solo track in 2024—was re-released in February 2025 as a powerful duet that’s now making waves around the globe.
In an interview with KLOVE, Lake explained why Jelly Roll was the perfect partner for this deeply emotional track.
“I wanted to share this song with someone whose life told a powerful story of redemption. The first person that came to mind was Jelly.”
Jelly Roll’s life has been nothing short of transformative. Once incarcerated as a teenager for drug-related charges and armed robbery, he’s now one of music’s most influential voices. His journey has turned him into a living testament to grace, second chances, and personal change.
Reflecting on the partnership, Jelly Roll said:
“It’s an honor that he chose me. I’ve been a fan of Brandon Lake for a long time… What he’s doing for Christian music, and beyond—it’s something special. He’s taking it to places I haven’t seen in years.”
The two have performed “Hard Fought Hallelujah” on major stages including the Grand Ole Opry and American Idol, bringing their message of redemption to audiences everywhere.
Stagecoach Becomes a Sanctuary
Most recently, Jelly Roll invited Brandon Lake to join him at Stagecoach 2025, one of the biggest country music festivals in the world, held in Indio, California, from April 25–27. The festival featured a packed lineup with headliners like Zach Bryan, Luke Combs, and Jelly Roll himself. Surprise acts like Mumford and Sons and big names like Lana Del Rey, MGK, and Midland added to the hype.
During Jelly Roll’s headline set, he welcomed Brandon Lake on stage—and together, they delivered a soul-shaking performance of “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” To their surprise, the crowd erupted, singing every word of the worship anthem.
Brandon Lake, stunned by the response, posted a TikTok afterward:
“WHAT JUST HAPPENED?!!! 🤯🤯🤯 I don’t even know how to process all that. God’s so kind. The on-stage moments were incredible—but the conversations backstage meant just as much. Hoping we get the invite back after what went down. That was WILD!”
@brandonlakemusic @stagecoach ♬ Hard Fought Hallelujah (with Jelly Roll) – Brandon Lake & Jelly Roll
Jelly Roll Shares More Than Music
But it wasn’t just about the song. Throughout his set, Jelly Roll used his platform to boldly share the message of Jesus. A viral TikTok video highlighted how he “made the whole set about Jesus,” turning the stage into an unexpected place of worship.
@dayynaa JELLY ROLL MAKING HIS WHOLE SET ABOUT JESUS🥹❤️ @Brandon Lake @BOOZEY @Bunnie Xo 🪄 #jellyroll #stagecoach #christian #christiantiktok #relatable ♬ original sound – Dayna marie
In a recent interview, Jelly Roll acknowledged that he may not look or sound like the typical image of a Christian—but his heart is all in.
“I may wear it different. I might say things some Christians wouldn’t approve of. But I’ve got a heart for God and for Jesus.”
With “Hard Fought Hallelujah” now echoing through both worship spaces and festival fields, Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake are proving that faith and music can collide in the most unexpected places—and move people wherever they are.