“You Have a Bright Future”: Brandon Lake Offers Touching Response After American Idol Hopeful Tate Emmons Covers ‘Hard Fought Hallelujah’

After American Idol hopeful Tate Emmons failed to progress after delivering a soulful rendition of Brandon Lake and Jelly Roll's hit song, ‘Hard Fought Hallelujah’, Lake has taken to Instagram to offer some words of encouragement to the 15-year-old.

Under the clip of Emmons’ performance, Lake gushes, “You have a bright future my man, keep going! God will take you amazing places no matter what level your gift is at. Keep chasing Him while you work at the music every day. Proud of you big dawg!”

Emmons was accompanied to his American Idol audition by 2025 contestant, Breanna Nix, who finished in third-place. Nix explained how, during a recent performance at the Grand Ole Opry, Emmons performed for her backstage and she was blown away.

After Nix's enthusiastic co-sign, Emmons kicked off his heartfelt rendition of Lake and Jelly's Contemporary Christian and Country crossover anthem, ‘Hard Fought Hallelujah’. He did a stellar job, but despite Carrie Underwood giving Emmons a ‘Yes’, the other two members of the judging trio - Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan - noted that his vocals need more time to mature, and halted his American Idol journey.

Bryan observed, “It's too soon. I'm a ‘No’...I hope you can understand why I'm saying this”, with Underwood then offering Emmons a warm hug and comforting him by advising, “Keep doing what you're doing...and giving glory where glory is due”.

Despite his early exit from the show, Emmons was gracious nonetheless, and we have a feeling with might be seeing him on a future season of the much-loved TV talent show.

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