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“Hard Fought Hallelujah” featuring Jelly Roll will appear on Brandon Lake’s forthcoming new album, King Of Hearts.
By
Andrew Wendowski
Andrew Wendowski
Andrew Wendowski is the Founder and CEO of Music Mayhem. As a 29-year-old entrepreneur, he oversees content as the Editor-In-Chief for the independent brand. Wendowski, who splits time between Philadelphia, Penn., and Nashville, Tenn., has an extensive background in multimedia. Before launching Music Mayhem in 2014, he worked as a highly sought-after photojournalist and tour photographer, collaborating with such labels as Interscope Records and Republic Records. He has captured photos of some of the biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Metallica, Harry Styles, P!NK, Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Shania Twain, and hundreds more. Wendowski’s photos and freelance work have appeared nationwide and can be seen everywhere from ad campaigns to various publications, including Billboard and Rolling Stone. When Wendowski isn’t running Music Mayhem, he enjoys spending time at concerts, traveling, and capturing photos.
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Posted on April 20, 2025
Jelly Roll, Brandon Lake; Photo Courtesy of American Idol via ABC
Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll—who is currently serving as the show’s first-ever “Artist In Residence“—teamed up to perform their collaborative track ‘Hard Fought Hallelujah’ on American Idol as part of the ‘Songs of Faith’ Easter Sunday (April 20) special.
The performance launched with Brandon Lake putting his powerful vocals on full display as he belted out the lyrics to the spiritual tune on the first verse before Jelly Roll joined in and sang the second verse. The pair then came together on the track’s chorus, seamlessly and effortlessly blending their unique vocals together, delivering a revival-like moment to the American Idol stage. Together, their vocals were commanding and full of conviction, echoing through the TV with the intensity of a worship anthem.
“I’ll bring my hard-fought heartfelt/ Been-through-hell hallelujah/ I’ll bring my storm-tossed, torn-sail/ Story to tell hallelujah/ God, You’ve been patient/ God, You’ve been gracious/ Faithful whatever I’m feeling or facing/ So I’ll bring my hard-fought, heartfelt/ It is well hallelujah/ Woah-oh-oh-oh Hallelujah, hallelujah,” Lake and Jelly Roll sang on the track’s chorus.
Their impressive performance of the Christian track was met by a roaring applause and a standing ovation from the Idol judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood and Luke Bryan.
“Such a huge fan, oh my gosh, and it’s a huge honor to be here because I was too afraid to ever audition,” Lake admitted of the opportunity, revealing that he’s a big fan of Idol.
Underwood gushed that she’s a big fan of the 34-year-old American Christian worship singer. “I’ve never met him, but he’s a staple in our house and in our car,” Underwood admitted before she met Brandon Lake, who also was thrilled to meet Underwood. “I’ve been waiting for this day,” Lake gushed as he hugged Underwood.
Lake then added, “I can’t tell you how nerve-wracking it is to be in front of your like heroes, it’s absolutely insane.”
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” was first released as a solo track by Brandon Lake in November 2024 and debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Digital Songs chart, as well No. 51 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart. He then went on to ask Jelly Roll to join him to reimagine the track as a duet in February of 2025.
“Collaborating with Jelly Roll on Hard Fought Hallelujah was powerful because we both understand what it’s like to walk through battles and still choose to lift a song of hope,” Lake previously shared. “My prayer is that this song reminds people not to give up—that even in the hardest seasons, there’s growth, purpose, and a victory worth singing about.” Jelly Roll added, “Working with Brandon was an incredible experience. This track touched my soul like few others. ‘Hard Fought Hallelujah’ is a song that will echo through my home for years to come.”
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” featuring Jelly Roll will appear on Brandon Lake’s forthcoming new album, King Of Hearts, which will arrive on June 13, 2025. Additionally, Brandon Lake will take the project on the road for his headlining King Of Hearts Tour, featuring special guest Franni Cash. The much-anticipated trek will kick off on October 2 in Sunrise, Florida.
Additionally, Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll will bring “Hard Fought Hallelujah” to the late night stage on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on April 24 at 11:35/10:35c on ABC. The pair of superstars previously performed the song on the Grand Ole Opry stage as well as several other times, including during the grand opening of Jelly Roll’s Goodnight Nashville bar.
Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll were just one pair of the performers on the star-studded Easter Sunday episode of American Idol. The ‘Songs of Faith’ themed episode also featured performances from Carrie Underwood, Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, CeCe Winans, and the entire Top 24, who were vying for a spot in the Top 20.
This year’s “Song Of Faith” episode marked the first time in Idol history that the popular singing competition show showcased all faith-based or gospel songs in celebration of a religious holiday.
American Idol airs every Sunday and Monday at 8/7c.
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Andrew Wendowski is the Founder and CEO of Music Mayhem. As a 29-year-old entrepreneur, he oversees content as the Editor-In-Chief for the independent brand. Wendowski, who splits time between Philadelphia, Penn., and Nashville, Tenn., has an extensive background in multimedia. Before launching Music Mayhem in 2014, he worked as a highly sought-after photojournalist and tour photographer, collaborating with such labels as Interscope Records and Republic Records. He has captured photos of some of the biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Metallica, Harry Styles, P!NK, Morgan Wallen, Carrie Underwood, The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Shania Twain, and hundreds more. Wendowski’s photos and freelance work have appeared nationwide and can be seen everywhere from ad campaigns to various publications, including Billboard and Rolling Stone. When Wendowski isn’t running Music Mayhem, he enjoys spending time at concerts, traveling, and capturing photos.
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