Jelly Roll Joins Shaboozey and Brandon Lake Onstage at CMA Fest, Shares Message of Faith

Jelly Roll Brings Powerful Moments of Faith and Emotion to CMA Fest 2025

On Friday night (June 6), Jelly Roll delivered not one, but two unexpected performances that turned CMA Fest 2025 into a night to remember. With a powerful blend of faith, vulnerability, and musical intensity, the genre-bending artist moved tens of thousands gathered in Nashville—leaving many cheering, singing, and visibly moved.

A MOVING COLLABORATION: JELLY ROLL AND SHABOOZEY PERFORM “AMEN”

The night kicked off with an electrifying surprise as Jelly Roll joined Shaboozey on stage to perform their emotionally charged track “Amen.” Before an audience of over 70,000, the duo delivered a performance that felt more like a testimony than a concert.

With lyrics that speak openly about addiction, struggle, and a longing for grace—

“Somebody say a prayer for me / ’Cause the pills ran out and I still can’t sleep…”
—”Amen” struck a deep chord with fans, who responded with raised hands, teary eyes, and unified voices.

The song appears on the deluxe edition of Shaboozey’s album Where I’ve Been, Isn’t Where I’m Going, released May 31, 2024. Since its debut, “Amen” has drawn attention with standout performances at Stagecoach, the ACM Awards, and now, CMA Fest—cementing its place as a fan favorite and a heartfelt anthem of redemption.

Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake Lead a Moment of Worship at CMA Fest 2025

Just when the night seemed complete, Jelly Roll returned to the stage, this time joining forces with Christian worship leader Brandon Lake for a powerful duet of their song “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” The performance became one of the most spiritually resonant moments of the evening.

As their voices rose in harmony, a glowing cross illuminated the stage overhead, shifting the energy in the stadium from celebration to reverence. The audience responded instinctively—lifting hands, singing along, and many visibly moved by the spirit of the moment.

“We love you, Lord. Thank you for letting us testify tonight at the CMA Fest, Father God,” Jelly Roll said through emotion-filled words.

A COLLABORATION ROOTED IN REDEMPTION

Brandon Lake later shared that Jelly Roll was his first choice for the song, moved by the artist’s remarkable personal journey.

“I wanted to share this song with somebody that had a really beautiful and hard-fought story,” Brandon told K-LOVE. “The first person I thought of was Jelly.”

Their collaboration has resonated deeply with fans across both country and faith communities, serving as a reminder of grace and second chances.

FROM PRISON TO PRAISE: JELLY ROLL’S TESTIMONY

Jelly Roll’s life story is as impactful as his music. Once incarcerated in his youth for drug-related offenses and robbery, he has since become a voice of hope and redemption for countless fans.

“From a jail cell to a K-LOVE Award — that’s something only God can do,” he shared after winning Song of the Year at the K-LOVE Fan Awards alongside Brandon Lake for “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”

His transparency and transformation continue to inspire, making every performance not just a show—but a story of faith in action.