Jason Aldean Honors Late Friend Charlie Kirk With Emotional Tribute in Detroit

Country music superstar Jason Aldean delivered a powerful tribute to his late friend Charlie Kirk during his Detroit concert on Thursday night. Performing for a packed crowd at Pine Knob Music Theatre, Aldean dedicated his hit “Try That In A Small Town” to the conservative activist and Turning Point USA co-founder, who tragically lost his life the day before.

@biancakajy Thank you Jason for doing this. May #CharlieKirk ♬ original sound – bianca kajy

Aldean Speaks From the Heart

Before starting the song, Aldean paused the show to address the heartbreaking news.
“I couldn’t get through tonight without mentioning something that happened yesterday,” Aldean told the audience. “An amazing person by the name of Charlie Kirk was murdered yesterday in Utah. This was a guy I knew for years, and he was one of the best people ever. This is not the kind of person you go after.”

He then reflected on the current state of the nation, saying,

“It’s a weird country we live in. When you start taking people out because you disagree with their opinions, that’s not what we’re about here.”

@milan.crossfit #jasonaldean #charliekirk ♬ original sound – Milan CrossFit

Honoring Kirk’s Legacy

Aldean shared that Kirk had been an early supporter of “Try That In A Small Town.”
“I remember when we put this song out, people like Charlie Kirk were some of the first to say, ‘That’s what it’s about—this country coming together and calling out the bullsh** when we see it,’” Aldean said.

He continued, “Charlie wanted nothing more than what was best for all of us and our kids. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy will live on forever through Turning Point USA. It’s amazing what he accomplished in just 31 years.”

@thefamilytraditionband Jason Aldean honors Charlie Kirk during show intro ❤️‍🩹💯🇺🇸 #fy #charliekirk #USA ♬ original sound – Thefamilytraditionband

A Night to Remember

As Aldean launched into the song, the crowd erupted in “U-S-A” chants, singing along in solidarity.

Before his set began, giant screens displayed a “Rest in Peace” tribute photo of Charlie Kirk alongside a “Never Forget” message for the 24th anniversary of 9/11. While these images appeared, Toby Keith’s patriotic anthem “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” played through the arena—creating an emotional and unforgettable moment.