Photo: ABC
Jelly Roll teamed up with contemporary Christian artist Brandon Lake on the American Idol stage to deliver a heartfelt rendition of their collaboration, “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”
The duo joined forces during Idol’s “Songs of Faith” episode to celebrate Easter on Sunday evening (April 20). Jelly Roll joined the competition show this season as the first-ever artist in residence, offering guidance and mentorship to the contestants. Other artists, including judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood — serving as a judge for the first time this season, 20 years after her career-launching victory in 2005 — also performed on Sunday evening.
Lake released the duet version of “Hard Fought Hallelujah” with Jelly Roll in February 2025. The song first made its debut in November 2024: “So I’ll bring my hard-fought, heartfelt / Been-through-hell hallelujah / And 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.” The collaborative performance garnered praise from viewers and fellow artists, including country star ERNEST and former Idol contestant Colton Dixon, among others. Watch Jelly Roll and Lake take the stage together here: