Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake didn’t just perform a song on Jimmy Kimmel Live—they delivered a worship moment that stopped 209,000 people in their tracks. With eyes closed, hands lifted, and hearts wide open, the duo filled late-night television with a raw and powerful faith anthem, reminding viewers everywhere that hope is often born in the hardest battles.
The performance featured “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” a song originally released by Brandon Lake in November 2024. Upon its debut, the worship anthem soared to #1 on the Digital Songs and Hot Christian Songs charts, while also breaking into the Billboard Hot 100. The lyrics speak of perseverance through trials and the beauty of offering praise even when it comes at a cost: “So I’ll bring my hard-fought, heartfelt, it-is-well hallelujah.”
Brandon has shared openly that the song was written for believers walking through valleys. “This song is about the battles we face, the grit throughout the fight for faith, and the praise that comes after,” he explained in an interview. His words rang true on the Kimmel stage, where both he and Jelly Roll poured out their testimony in music.
In February 2025, Jelly Roll joined Lake for a remix of the song, adding his own gritty depth to the already-powerful anthem. Known for blending vulnerability and redemption into his music, the ACM Entertainer of the Year nominee infused the track with a lived-in authenticity that resonated deeply with fans. The remix’s official video has already surpassed 4.3 million views online.
On Jimmy Kimmel Live, the two stood side by side with no elaborate staging—just voices, passion, and purpose. As their harmonies rose, the crowd erupted in worship, proving that faith-filled music can shine even in mainstream spaces. One fan wrote, “Praise God that this song was on Jimmy Kimmel Live! WOW!” Another added, “They should get an Emmy for that.”
The performance came on the heels of another unforgettable moment: the duo’s Easter Sunday appearance on American Idol. During the special Songs of Faith episode, Jelly Roll—this season’s first-ever artist-in-residence—joined Lake for a performance that went viral, drawing millions of views across platforms.
By the time the final note of “Hard Fought Hallelujah” faded on Kimmel, the message was undeniable. This wasn’t just music—it was ministry. Together, Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake showed the world that even in the fight, even in the broken places, a hallelujah is worth lifting.
