Jelly Roll demonstrated incredible faith and stage presence during his performance at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City on September 13.
On Saturday night, the American singer-rapper performed for Grace for the World, a live music event held at the Vatican and co-directed by Pharrell and Andrea Bocelli.
Jelly Roll captivated the audience with "Hard Fought Hallelujah," a powerful track by Brandon Lake in which he was featured, released in 2024. Following his moving act, he shared a glimpse of his performance with his followers on Instagram, writing in the caption:
"Live from inside Vatican City, 'Hard Fought Hallelujah'. Full performance out now."
The clip features Jelly Roll singing passionately in his signature gravelly vocals, as his navy-blue shirt-clad backup singers harmonize with him. Under his post, massive praise also erupted in the replies, such as from the "Hard Fought Hallelujah" popularizer himself.
"Crushed it! This is what our world needs right now more than ever. Thanks for leading us Jelly!"
American stand-up comedian Brad Williams also tipped his hat to the "Son of a Sinner" hitmaker.
"Bonkers. How do you keep topping yourself?!"


More fans also left heartfelt praise for Jelly Roll.
"This is all part of the movement, that I’ve been witnessing the last year or two. We are getting back to God, Jesus, family and country. Charlie will not die in vain. He will wear the crown of a Martyr and his death will be the catalyst that will activate an army of soldiers," one wrote with praying hands emoji.
"Being present for this song, it's truly something spiritual with the whole crowd singing raising hands to God; I'll never forget it. My husband who isn't religious guy said the same. It really was something to experience," another one commented.

"— 'I hope heaven has a smoking section' — that lyric literally saved my life man; gave me permission to be broken, yet still to seek God as I am. My walk in faith happened through the gospel of the broken, something @jellyroll615 inspired in all of us. Bros music has saved my soul a few times over; but singing this at vatican city is truly legendary," a fan shared.
"This is so legendary," an IG user chimed in with hands up emoji.
Grace for the World lineup: Jelly Roll, Jennifer Hudson, John Legend, more perform at the Vatican concert
Apart from Jelly Roll, several household names also performed at the historic Grace for the World concert in the Vatican.
Jennifer Hudson emerged as the rapper muttered into the mic, "I love you, Jesus," stepping onto St. Peter’s Square in her blue sequin gown. Shortly after reaching the center stage, she sang "Find the Love," a track off her 2024 album The Gift Of Love.
Other featuring artists include John Legend, who performed "The Birds Don't Sing," alongside the Hip-Hop duo Clipse.
Teddy Swims and GOT7's BamBam also occupied the stage.
Grace for the World is a concert co-directed by Maestro Andrea Bocelli and Pharrell Williams. Per its press release, the event:
“unites gospel harmonies, classical mastery, and international artistry in a single event at St. Peter’s Square in Vatican City.”
It went on:
"the performance closes the third World Meeting on Human Fraternity and celebrates the 2025 Jubilee Year."