SAC.It was the moment no one saw coming — Jason and Brittany Aldean took the stage and delivered a powerful surprise, presenting Erika Kirk with the first-ever Charlie Kirk Legacy Award. What unfolded next wasn’t just emotional — it sent the entire audience into stunned silence and set social media on fire.
Jesse Waters, Brittany Aldean, and Jason Aldean present Erika Kirk with the Charlie Kirk Legacy Award At Patriot Awards (Photo Credit: Fox News / YouTube)
Fox Nation Hosted The 7th Annual Patriot Awards On November 6
On November 6th, Fox Nation hosted the 7th Annual Patriot Awards, which took place at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts in Brookville, New York.
Sean Hannity opened the show with a spoof of Frank Sinatra’s “New York, New York” to be about the newly elected New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Several prominent figures were honored including First Lady Melania Trump receiving Patriot Of The Year.
A few days before the event, Fox Nation announced that they would be adding a new award to the program this year, the Charlie Kirk Legacy Award. It was revealed that country singer Jason Aldean and his wife, Brittany, along with Fox News’ Jesse Waters would be presenting the first-ever award to Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk.
The Charlie Kirk Legacy Award will now be be given annually to someone who reflects Charlie Kirk’s values: faith, family, and free speech.
It is very fitting that Erika was the chosen recipient for her husband’s namesake award. She took over his company, Turning Point USA as CEO and is continuing his college campus tour with special guests, trying to keep what her husband built alive.
While presenting the award, Jason said that Charlie led a powerful movement rooted in faith, freedom, and a deep love for this country.”
Brittany added, “Charlie was courageous, bold, and committed to sharing his vision for America, its families, and its future.”
After a video tribute played, the Aldeans and Water returned to the stage to present the award.
Jason said that “in the wake of Charlie’s death, his wife Erika has made it her mission to keep his legacy alive.”
“It is our great honor to present the first ever Charlie Kirk legacy award to the woman who refuses to surrender,” Brittany added before Waters invited Erika to join them on stage.
She walked out to a standing ovation and roaring applause from the audience.
Erika delivered an emotional speech, saying that the award is not just for her to receive on behalf of her husband. It’s also “our incredible Turning Point USA staff… our 4,200 chapters… the 800,000 student leaders.”
In the most powerful moment of the speech, Erika said, “Evil wins when good people stay silent. For the rest of my life, I will make sure that I don’t stay silent… no matter the cost.”
Watch the full video below.
About the Author
Jennifer Pernicano
Hi! I’m Jen, a Southern California-based country music fan. One of my favorite things to do is go to a country concert and experience the art of storytelling in person. There truly is nothing else like it!
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