Recent
Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake's 'Hard Fought Hallelujah' wins Song of the Year at the 2025 GMA Dove Awards, marking a moment of raw emotion and redemption for both artists.
October 11, 2025
Source:
Billboard
Major Wins at GMA Dove Awards
Forrest Frank, Brandon Lake, Jelly Roll, and Leanna Crawford took top honors at the 2025 GMA Dove Awards. Jelly Roll accepted Song of the Year for "Hard Fought Hallelujah", sharing his emotional journey with the crowd. The moment spotlighted both his personal backstory and the powerful message behind the song.
Key Facts
"Hard Fought Hallelujah" is a collaboration between Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll, released early 2025 (Spotify).
The lyrics deal with perseverance, faith, and overcoming adversity.
It received widespread acclaim and was recognized at other major events, including the K-LOVE Fan Awards.
Keep up with the story. Subscribe to the PR+ free daily newsletter
Source:
Real Emotion on Stage
Jelly Roll captured the audience with a heartfelt speech referencing his past: "I ain't been this nervous since I went to criminal court, y'all." His openness resonated with fans. The win is notable given his history with the criminal justice system, adding authenticity to his message of redemption.
Collaboration Details
Written with Brandon Lake, Steven Furtick, and Benjamin Hastings.
The song features gospel and country influences, with raw, honest lyrics.
Live and official videos available on YouTube, including Grand Ole Opry performance and K-LOVE Fan Awards show.
Read More
Source:
Impact Across Audiences
The collaboration bridges genres, drawing fans from gospel, country, and mainstream audiences. The themes highlight faith, resilience, and transformation, connecting with many listeners.
Response and Significance
The award is seen as a testament to the power of personal storytelling and redemption.
The song's reception underscores the value of authenticity in music, especially in Christian and country genres.
Performances at key events like the CMA Fest further expanded its reach.
What inspired Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake to collaborate on 'Hard Fought Hallelujah'?
Both artists wanted to explore themes of struggle, redemption, and faith, drawing from their own personal journeys and real-life experiences.
How did Jelly Roll feel about winning the song of the year award?
What are some fan reactions to 'Hard Fought Hallelujah'?
Can you provide more details about the live performance of 'Hard Fought Hallelujah' at the Grand Ole Opry?
What are the lyrics of 'Hard Fought Hallelujah' and what do they mean?
Share this news:
