Jo Dee Messina Sings Brandon Lake’s “Hard Fought Hallelujah” [WATCH]
on Sep 26, 2025
Jo Dee Messina’s Version Of “Hard Fought Hallelujah” Will Give You Chills
Christian singer Brandon Lake first released his song “Hard Fought Hallelujah” in November 2024. The track quickly saw success by hitting #1 on both the Digital Songs and Christian Songs charts.
Soon after, Lake teamed up with Jelly Roll for a remix of the song.
Lake recently shared that he wanted to collaborate with someone who genuinely connected with the lyrics, and he knew Jelly Roll was the perfect fit.
“I just wanted to share this with somebody who really gets this story, who’s lived it,” he said to Billboard. “Now to see him carrying this song and how we carry it together and it’s impacting so many lives — that’s the goal. We’re in a perfect time for this kind of collaboration to happen. The truth is, all of us are just as messed up — it’s just some of us are good at hiding it and putting a mask on. Everyone’s on a journey.”
Lake’s decision to feature Jelly Roll on the song ended up being an amazing choice. In fact, their collaboration has even earned a nomination for Musical Event of the Year at the upcoming CMA Awards.
This is the first time that Lake has ever received a CMA nod. Watch him react to his first CMA Award nomination below.
@brandonlakemusic YALL!!! 🤯🤯🤯 What the heck?!! What an honor! So thankful to @Jelly Roll for carrying this song with me. Thank you @Country Music Association ♬ original sound – Brandon Lake
Listen To Jo Dee Messina Sing “Hard Fought Hallelujah”
There’s no doubt that there has been a lot of love for the remix of “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” and it turns out that one country superstar is a fan, too.
Grammy-nominated artist Jo Dee Messina recently posted a video on social media of herself covering the song.
In the clip, Messina shares that she’s been teaching it to kids in her choir class. Then, sitting at a piano, she starts playing and belts out the powerful lyrics.
At the end of the video, Messina takes a moment to congratulate Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll on their CMA nomination.
The video ended up catching Lake’s attention. He left a comment saying how honored he was that she would cover his song.
“WOOOOOAH!!! What an honor, I’m freaking out! Love you!!!” he wrote.
The comment section of the video also filled up with sweet messages from fans who were blown away by Messina’s rendition. A few of the comments read:
“This made my day! Thank you!!! One of my favorite songs….and now you sang it!?”
“I think God knew I needed this.”
“Queen! Your voice is magical”
“can we get a full JoDee rendition ?!?! You are amazing”
“ugh i just love your voice so much”
Listening to Jo Dee Messina cover Brandon Lake’s song “Hard Fought Hallelujah” below.
@jodeemessina I've been teaching this song to a group of kids for choir. Congratulations @Brandon Lake @Jelly Roll on the @Country Music Association nomination #cmaawards #jellyroll #brandonlake #teachers #choir ♬ Hard Fought Hallelujah (with Jelly Roll) – Brandon Lake & Jelly Roll
