Brandon Lake Moves 90,000 People With “Gratitude” at Charlie Kirk Memorial in State Farm Stadium
Published September 25, 2025 | Music
Brandon Lake’s stirring performance of “Gratitude” at the Charlie Kirk Memorial drew nearly 100,000 attendees inside and outside State Farm Stadium, creating one of the most powerful worship gatherings in modern American history.
A Worship Experience That Transformed a Stadium
What was once a football arena became a sanctuary of faith, unity, and remembrance. During the five-hour service, Brandon Lake’s worship anthem “Gratitude” lifted over 90,000 voices in unison, blending gospel proclamation with the atmosphere of a national revival.
From the very first chords, the crowd was captivated. As Lake’s passionate voice rang across the stadium, hands reached upward in surrender. Many described the sound as a glimpse of heaven itself. Millions more joined through livestreams, sharing in an unforgettable worship moment that transcended age, culture, and denomination.
Brandon Lake’s Call to Surrender
Before the song’s climax, Lake paused to address the audience:
“Can we sing this chorus one more time? … Nothing that you could do could ever make Him love you any less. Can we give Him 30 seconds of our undivided attention as we sing this chorus with our hands to the heavens today—surrendering everything that we’re feeling, that we’re facing, that we’re wrestling with—knowing that He is sovereign, He is higher, we can trust Him.”
As the chorus swelled, the crowd’s response grew thunderous. The reprise of “Hallelujah” shook the stadium, followed by chants of “Holy, holy are You Lord God Almighty,” echoing through the rafters. Tears, standing ovations, and heartfelt worship defined the moment.
Erika Kirk’s Forgiveness and President Trump’s Tribute
The memorial service carried several emotional peaks. Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, moved the crowd with her powerful words of forgiveness:
“I forgive him because it was what Christ did and is what Charlie would do.”
Her declaration of grace reflected Charlie Kirk’s mission to restore families and mentor young men in America. She also announced her decision to continue his legacy by stepping into his role as CEO of Turning Point USA.
Former President Donald Trump, also in attendance, praised Charlie Kirk’s influence on younger generations and described the service as reminiscent of a classic revival meeting.
Music as the Pulse of the Memorial
Music played a central role in honoring Charlie Kirk’s life. Alongside Brandon Lake’s performance, the service featured:
- Kari Jobe and Cody Carnes leading “The Blessing”
- Chris Tomlin and Phil Wickham performing “Holy Forever” and “How Great Is Our God”
- Lee Greenwood singing “God Bless the USA”
- Traditional bagpipes playing “Amazing Grace”
With pyrotechnics, lighting, and heartfelt worship, the memorial blended reverence with revival, leaving a lasting impression on all who were present.
Worldwide Reactions to “Gratitude”
The impact of Brandon Lake’s performance spread far beyond the stadium. Social media was filled with responses such as:
“If this is what a stadium of believers sounds like, imagine what Heaven will be like.”
“I was an atheist for 46 years. Charlie changed that. I will follow Jesus through Charlie.”
“I cried like I haven’t cried in years. This was truly a once-in-a-lifetime revival.”
About Brandon Lake’s “Gratitude”
Released in 2020 as part of the House of Miracles album, “Gratitude” quickly rose to prominence as a modern worship anthem. The song emphasizes surrender and thanksgiving, built on the refrain of offering God nothing less than heartfelt praise.
While performed countless times worldwide, Lake’s rendition at the Charlie Kirk Memorial has already been described as one of the most impactful in history. Guiding nearly 100,000 people from grief into worship, it became more than a performance—it was a spiritual milestone.
The Legacy of the Memorial
The Charlie Kirk Memorial at State Farm Stadium will be remembered not just for its scale but for its profound impact. It was a gathering that blended mourning with revival, forgiveness with worship, and sorrow with hope. At its center, Brandon Lake’s performance of “Gratitude” reminded the world of the unifying and healing power of worship.
