Jelly Roll & Marcus King Deliver Soul-Stirring “Hard Fought Hallelujah” at Stand Up To Cancer Special
Jelly Roll and Marcus King closed out the ninth televised Stand Up To Cancer fundraising event with a performance that lifted spirits and left the Nashville crowd on its feet. The two powerhouse artists joined forces for a stirring rendition of “Hard Fought Hallelujah” — transforming the night into a moment that felt more like a revival than a telecast.
Taking the stage at The Pinnacle in Nashville, Jelly Roll, dressed in a dark gray Stand Up To Cancer shirt and brown shacket, set the tone with a heartfelt introduction. “One night, one goal baby… donate, donate, donate,” he told viewers. “I still believe in the power of praise. Can we go to church tonight, y’all?”
Backed by a gospel choir, Jelly Roll launched into the first verse with his trademark grit and vulnerability, while King — in a striking royal blue suit and cowboy hat — carried the second verse with soulful conviction. When the two joined together on the chorus, their harmonies soared, filling the venue with both power and tenderness.
Hosted by Sheryl Crow, the special featured a star-studded lineup of performers including Brothers Osborne, Jon Pardi, Noah Cyrus, Gavin DeGraw, Dan + Shay, CeCe Winans with the Nashville Community Gospel Choir, and the Jonas Brothers. Special guest appearances from Tim McGraw, Keith Urban, Reese Witherspoon, Jamie Foxx, Zoe Saldaña, Kevin Bacon, and SU2C co-founder Katie Couric underscored the night’s significance.
Beyond the music, the telecast spotlighted survivor stories and groundbreaking research supported by Stand Up To Cancer, reminding viewers of the progress being made and the work still ahead in the fight against the disease.
With Jelly Roll and Marcus King leading the final performance, the show ended on a note of resilience, hope, and unity — a true “hallelujah” moment for fans and families watching around the world.
Donations to support Stand Up To Cancer’s research initiatives can be made at StandUpToCancer.org
or by calling 1-800-90-STAND.