Jelly Roll Meets The Pope, Performs “Hard Fought Hallelujah” Inside Vatican City
From Prison to Global Stardom
Country music star Jelly Roll has officially gone from rock bottom to holy ground. The singer, once known for a troubled past filled with arrests, has now met Pope Leo at the Grace for the World concert in Vatican City.
Jelly Roll was first arrested at just 14 years old and has been jailed over 40 times on drug-related charges. He later served one year in prison and seven years on probation for aggravated robbery.
Despite this rocky past, Jelly Roll turned his life around and became one of the biggest names in country music. His struggles have inspired several hit songs, including “Need a Favor,” “Save Me,” and “I Am Not Okay.”
Jelly Roll Breaks Barriers and Travels Abroad
For years, Jelly Roll could not perform outside the United States due to his past felony convictions. However, in May 2025, he announced that he was finally approved to travel to Europe to join Post Malone on their Big Ass Stadium Tour.
During this trip, Jelly Roll met Pope Leo and marked the life-changing moment with a heartfelt caption:
“From rock bottom to holy ground.”
Performing at the Grace for the World Concert in Vatican City
Jelly Roll was one of the headline performers at the Grace for the World concert at St. Peter’s Square. The historic event drew more than 253,000 people and was streamed globally on Disney+.
Alongside global icons like Pharrell Williams, Andrea Bocelli, John Legend, Jennifer Hudson, Karol G, Il Volo, Teddy Swims, BamBam, and Angélique Kidjo, Jelly Roll delivered a soul-stirring performance of “Hard Fought Hallelujah.”
The track, originally released by Christian artist Brandon Lake, was reimagined as a remix featuring Jelly Roll in February 2025. That version has since been nominated for CMA Musical Event of the Year.
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Jennifer Hudson Joins Jelly Roll On Stage
Although Brandon Lake was not present at the Vatican concert, Jelly Roll performed the song solo and moved the massive crowd. At the end of the performance, Jennifer Hudson joined him on stage to sing part of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.”
Fans can watch Jelly Roll’s unforgettable performance on the Disney+ Grace for the World concert special. The emotional night not only marked a milestone in his career but also highlighted his incredible journey from struggle to redemption.
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