Country music star Jelly Roll, known offstage as Jason DeFord, created a stirring and unforgettable moment on Star Search when a contestant's rendition of "Hard Fought Hallelujah" moved him to tears and prompted a heartfelt message of faith before millions of viewers.
The emotional scene unfolded during the second live episode of Star Search, the reboot of the classic talent series streaming on Netflix. Louisiana singer Bear Bailey took the stage with a gripping performance of Hard Fought Hallelujah - a song co-written by Jelly Roll and worship artist Brandon Lake that explores themes of struggle, redemption, and victorious praise.
Bailey's testimony resonated deeply with both the audience and the judging panel. After sharing how his own life had been marked by addiction and transformation through his faith, Bailey's emotional delivery left Jelly Roll visibly moved. The moment quickly evolved into a powerful gospel proclamation.
"I prayed this morning... God, night one was great, but I didn't get to live in my purpose yet," Jelly Roll said through tears, describing his desire to speak about his faith on the global platform. He went on to share a message of hope and unconditional love, emphasizing that God "doesn't care about your past" and is for everyone - a declaration that brought the live audience to its feet.
Jelly Roll's heartfelt response underscores his commitment to sharing the gospel beyond the music stage, turning an entertainment moment into an opportunity for spiritual encouragement. Bailey's rendition and Jelly Roll's reaction have quickly become one of the most talked-about highlights of the season, demonstrating the impact of authentic storytelling and faith-driven artistry in mainstream television.
