Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll just took home a GRAMMY Award at the 2026 GRAMMYS for their buzzed-about collaboration, “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” The duo took home the award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song at the 2026 GRAMMY Awards for their powerful collaboration, “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”
While Jelly Roll was not present at the 2026 GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony, Lake proudly accepted the award on behalf of the duo. He began by graciously thanking his wife, Brittany Ann Lake, The Recording Academy, Provident Label Group, his Pastor, his producer; and the band who played on the track in the studio.
“Thank you. Oh man. Wow. Thank you, Jesus. I want to thank my wife, who’s holding down the fort back home with all my babies, crazy babies. Thank you to The [Recording] Academy for honoring this category,” Lake began. “Thank you, Provident, my label, Bright Group. Thank you, Pastor Steven Furdick, Benjamin William Hastings, Chris Brown, Micah Nichols, for producing this song, and all my local Charleston, South Carolina guys who played on it like Roderick Simmons. Shout out to him.”
The chart-topping Christian artist humbly showcased gratitude to his collaborator Jelly Roll and reflected on the song’s life-changing message.
“I want to say, obviously, a huge thank you to Jelly Roll for taking the chance on this song, taking a chance on me,” Lake continued. “He just took me everywhere he was performing and said, ‘Let’s do this song together.’ He took this song places that I couldn’t have by myself, and I’ve gotten countless messages of how this song has literally saved people’s lives and pointed them to Jesus. If it wasn’t for Jesus, I don’t know where I would be, y’all.”
Brandon Lake closed out his acceptance speech with a verse from John 16:33, sharing, “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
“The most important thing I could say is this world is cray-cray right now, but I was reminded of the scripture this morning, John 16:33,” Lake concluded. “He’s overcome, so that means we can too through Christ. Love you. Thank you so much.”
Elevation Worship (“I Know a Name”), Forrest Frank (“Your Way’s Better”), Lecrae (“Headphones”), and Darrel Walls (“Amazing”) were also nominated in the category, of Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.
“Hard Fought Hallelujah” was originally released by Brandon Lake as a solo song in November 2024, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Digital Songs chart and landing at No. 51 on the Billboard Hot 100. In February 2025, Lake invited Jelly Roll to join him for a reimagined duet version of the track. The collaboration later appeared on Lake’s album, King of Hearts, released on June 13, 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.”
The 2026 GRAMMYs will feature unforgettable performances from Bruno Mars, Addison Rae, Alex Warren, Andrew Watt, Brandy Clark, Chad Smith, Clipse, Duff McKagan, Justin Bieber, KATSEYE, Lady Gaga, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Lukas Nelson, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Olivia Dean, Pharrell Williams, Post Malone, Reba McEntire, ROSÉ, Sabrina Carpenter, Slash, SOMBR, The Marías, Tyler, The Creator, and more.
Reba McEntire, Brandy Clark, and Lukas Nelson are set to pay tribute to those lost over the past year during the In Memoriam segment, while Ms. Lauryn Hill honors the late Roberta Flack and D’Angelo with a special performance. Post Malone, Andrew Watt, Chad Smith, Duff McKagan and Slash of Guns N’ Roses will also celebrate the life and legacy of the late “Prince of Darkness,” Ozzy Osbourne.
Addison Rae, Alex Warren, KATSEYE, Leon Thomas, Lola Young, Olivia Dean, SOMBR, and The Marías also take the stage for a special Best New Artist showcase performance.
A star-studded lineup of presenters will grace the stage during “Music’s Biggest Night,” including Carole King, Chappell Roan, Charli XCX, Doechii, Harry Styles, Jeff Goldblum, KAROL G, Lainey Wilson, Marcello Hernández, Nikki Glaser, Q-Tip, Queen Latifah, and Teyana Taylor.
Hosted by Trevor Noah, the 68th Annual GRAMMY Awards air live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Sunday, February 1, at 8/7c on CBS. Produced by Fulwell 73 Productions for the Recording Academy, the event is also available to stream live and on-demand via Paramount+.
