Flood Survivor Skyler Derrington’s Viral “Hallelujah” Performance on Live TV Leaves Viewers Speechless

When tragedy struck Camp Mystic on July 4th, 2025, few expected a teenage survivor to turn her grief into a powerful song that would touch millions across the world. Skyler Derrington, one of the survivors of the deadly Texas floods, rewrote Leonard Cohen’s timeless “Hallelujah” to share her personal story—and the world is listening.

Her heartfelt lyrics, inspired by faith and loss, have gone viral across social media, and most recently, Skyler performed her version live on national television.

A Tragic Day at Camp Mystic

Located along the scenic Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country, Camp Mystic is a beloved Christian summer camp that welcomes girls from all over the state each year. But on July 4, 2025, the peaceful setting was turned into a disaster zone.

According to NBC News, a sudden and catastrophic flood caused the river to rise over 26 feet within minutes. The flash flooding left campers and staff with little time to respond. The heartbreaking event claimed the lives of over 130 people, including 27 campers and counselors at Camp Mystic.

Among the survivors was Skyler Derrington, a young camper whose life was forever changed by the experience.

Rewriting “Hallelujah” To Heal

In the days following the tragedy, Skyler turned to music as a way to process her grief and honor those who were lost. She chose Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”—a song known for its haunting beauty and spiritual depth—and began rewriting the lyrics to reflect her journey through the flood.

Some of Skyler’s powerful rewritten lyrics include:

“I heard there was a giant flood,
But we were washed in Jesus’ blood…
On July the 4th, 2025th,
The water rose and we went adrift…”

“…Our faith was strong, you showed us love,
Like only God from up above.
Your prayers, your hugs, and your love overwhelmed us…”

These verses struck a chord with viewers everywhere. A video of Skyler singing her version of the song was shared by CBS News and quickly went viral—garnering 8.9 million views on Facebook and over 12.4 million views on TikTok. People around the world praised Skyler’s courage, faith, and raw honesty.

Skyler Sings Her Viral Song Live on Fox & Friends

On Tuesday, July 29, Skyler was invited to perform her version of “Hallelujah” live on Fox & Friends. The studio fell silent as she sang a cappella in front of a massive screen showing images from the Texas floods.

Her voice trembled with emotion but carried a strength that stunned everyone watching. As she sang the final note, there was a brief pause—then the studio filled with applause and heartfelt reactions.

One of the show’s hosts whispered, “Wow,” and it summed up what the entire nation felt in that moment.

As an added surprise, Skyler got to meet her musical idol, Christian artist Lauren Daigle, who appeared on set to encourage her and offer a warm embrace. Skyler, holding back tears, said it was the best day of her life.

 

The Impact Continues to Grow

Following her Fox & Friends appearance, clips of Skyler’s performance began to circulate online. One video alone has already surpassed 1.2 million views and counting.

Skyler’s story is a powerful reminder of how music can bring healing, hope, and unity in times of unimaginable pain. Her message isn’t just about surviving—it’s about holding onto faith and using your voice for something bigger.

Watch Skyler Derrington perform her emotional version of “Hallelujah” live on Fox & Friends.