Jason Aldean honor Charlie Kirk with ‘Try That in a Small Town’ performance
Ingraham then introduced Jason Aldean to perform in Kirk’s honor
Laura Ingraham took the stage with a heartfelt remembrance of Charlie Kirk, recalling meeting him as a restless, determined 18-year-old who “had things to accomplish” and never lost his urgency to reach young Americans
She shared a light memory of their final text exchange with Charlie sending her a smiley emoji while they were both being criticized in the public square before noting how his videos now inspire millions.
Ingraham then introduced Jason Aldean to perform in Kirk’s honor.
Aldean stepped out to loud cheers, praising Charlie’s impact and thanking Erika and the Turning Point team for carrying the mission forward.
He joked that Charlie was “more of a hip-hop guy,” but said he knew Charlie understood the spirit behind his song.
Then he began singing “Try That in a Small Town,” delivering a performance that brought the room to its feet.
The Patriot Awards delivered its most emotional moment when fireworks burst inside the hall and Erika Kirk entered in a sparkling green sequin gown, embracing Jason and Brittany Aldean and Jesse Watters before taking the stage.
Jason Aldean reminded the audience that Erika has made it her “mission to keep [Charlie’s] legacy alive,” while Brittany Aldean called her “the woman who refuses to surrender.”
Watters added, “Charlie Kirk was an American original.”
Erika began by thanking the Fox News family and “everyone that loved my husband so well,” then made clear she was accepting the award on behalf of more than herself: “It’s our incredible Turning Point USA staff… our 4,200 chapters… the 800,000 student leaders… and the 8,000 churches that are a part of TCU.”
She shared one of Charlie’s guiding lines: “You’re missing the point. It’s not how I’m saying it that’s upsetting people: it’s the fact that I’m saying the truth.”
She spoke of spiritual warfare, of Charlie’s determination never to flee from it, and of the legacy she now carries.“Evil wins when good people stay silent,” she said.
“For the rest of my life, I will make sure that I don’t stay silent… no matter the cost.”
