Cole Swindell Performs ‘Make Heaven Crowded’ In Emotional Tribute To Charlie Kirk On ‘Fox & Friends’
The performance took place on what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday.
Cole Swindell; Photo Provided
Cole Swindell recently released a powerful ballad titled “Make Heaven Crowded,” which he revealed was inspired by the shocking death of Charlie Kirk. This week, Swindell performed the heartfelt song on Fox & Friends in honor of what would have been the 32nd birthday of the Turning Point USA co-founder.
Joined by his full band, the country star took the stage on Tuesday (Oct. 14), and poured his heart out through the faith-driven performance. His voice was filled with emotion while delivering the lyrics that prompts listeners to imagine a world where prayers outweigh conflict and violence.
“What if churches had a longer line outside/ Than all them bars on Friday nights? What if people prayed for people who ain’t on their side? What if good ran off the bad? Them streets of gold up there’d be packed/ This whole world would look a lot better than we found it/ If we make Heaven crowded,” he sings.
Accompanied by soft drums, keyboard melodies, and delicate guitar strums, Swindell’s vocals were elevated by the rich harmonies of his backup singers. At the very end of the performance, he leaned into he mic once more to say, “Happy birthday, Charlie.”
“Make Heaven Crowded” was penned by the Georgia native with Greylan James, Joel Hutsell, and Blake Pendergrass and released on September 20, just 10 days after the assassination of Charlie Kirk. The conservative activist was just 31 years old when he was fatally shot on Sept. 10 during a speaking engagement at Utah Valley University.
This incident clearly struck a chord with Cole Swindell, but it was Kirk’s widow’s words that ultimately inspired the title and message of the song.
When Erika Kick spoke publicly for the first time following her husband’s passing, she said the memorable line, “Charlie, you are alongside Jesus right now, doing what you always wanted to do. Making heaven crowded, right? That’s what it’s all about.”
After writing the tune inspired by her words, Swindell shared it with the world and quickly realized just how great of an impact it was having on fans. Once it officially hit streaming platforms, the song achieved “unbelievable” success, according to the country star. It rose to No. 2 on the all-genre chart and claimed the No. 1 spot on the country chart.
Cole Swindell responded with a heartfelt video thanking fans for all their support.
“I just wanted to say thanks again because it truly does mean the world… supporting me, my music, but this is bigger than that. This is bigger than anything I’ve ever been a part of musically because of the message,” he said on Instagram.
Shortly after, he got to showcase the song again when he joined Brandon Lake on stage as a surprise guest during a recent show.
His latest performance on Fox & Friends comes amid his Happy Hour Sad Tour. The headline will close with a three-night run across Florida at the end of October.
Madeleine O’Connell graduated from North Central College with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Broadcast Communications before deciding to pursue her studies further at DePaul University. There, she earned her masters degree in Digital Communication & Media Arts. O’Connell served as a freelance writer for over two years while also interning with the Academy of Country Music, SiriusXM and Circle Media and assisting with Amazon Music’s Country Heat Weekly podcast. In addition to Country Now, she has been published in American Songwriter, Music Mayhem, and Holler.Country. Madeleine O’Connell is a member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.
You may also like
Country Next
Playlist
On Repeat
Get the latest country music news delivered straight to your inbox.
