Jelly Roll surprised fans with performances with Brandon Lake and Shaboozey at the recent four-day CMA Fest. More than 300 artists performed for eager fans on multiple stages spread across Nashville, Tennessee.
“Look at Brandon taking Nissan Stadium to church right now!” screamed Jelly Roll.
Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake Bring Nashville ‘To Church’ at 2025 CMA Fest
Nearly 70,000 people at the CMA Fest welcomed Jelly Roll—who was tucked away in the audience—to the stage for a surprise live duet. Brandon Lake had just begun to sing “Hard Faught Hallelujah.”
The two recently won Song of the Year at the K-LOVE Fan Awards for the song.
“From a jail cell to a K-LOVE award,” said Jelly Roll. “That is something only God can do himself.”
The lyrics continue:
I’ll bring my hard-fought, heartfelt
Been-through-hell hallelujah (ooh, ooh)
And I’ll bring my storm-tossed, torn-sail
Story-to-tell hallelujah, oh
‘Cause God, You’ve been patient
God, You’ve been gracious
Faithful, whatever I’m feeling or facing
Country Rebel reported that Jelly Roll prayed, “We love you, Lord. Thank you for letting us testify tonight at the CMA Fest, Father God.”
Lake posted a video capturing just a portion of the song, the raised hands in the audience, and a large illuminated cross.
“I wanted to share this song with somebody that had a really beautiful and hard-fought story, and the first person that came to mind was Jelly,” Lake said in an interview with K-LOVE.
The two have received accolades, encouragement, and criticism over the unlikely pairing for the song.
“I’m honored that I was the call,” Jelly Roll said. “I’m a Brandon Lake fan…What he’s doing for Christian music, even outside of Christian music—he’s taking it further than I’ve seen anybody take it in a long time.”
Lake has continued to defend the collaboration, despite criticism. “If you look at Jesus’ life, look who he spent time with. Even the 12 he called were jacked up—you know,” said Lake.
“I love the conversation it’s creating,” said Jelly Roll. “Millions of people like me are finding a safe place in God.”
Jelly Roll also sang “Amen” alongside Shaboozey. The two released the duet earlier this year, and it became a fast hit.
Jelly Roll, Brandon Lake, and Shaboozey were all part of the entertainment lineup at Stagecoach, a long-standing country music festival favorite.
