Jelly Roll Lands First-Ever ‘Artist in Residence’ Gig at ‘American Idol’

Jelly Roll is heading to Hollywood. The Nashville-born artist joins the American Idol team as an “artist in residence,” an ABC representative confirmed to Rolling Stone on Tuesday. In the new title, Jelly Roll will appear during the show’s “Hollywood Week,” where judges weed out weaker contestants, and other segments within the 23rd season.

“Honored to be Idol’s first-ever artist in residence — mentoring with heart, soul, and real experience!” Roll shared in an Instagram post Tuesday.

During the last season, Roll performed “Halfway to Hell,” off his 2023 album Whitsitt Chapel, at the competition show’s Hawaii stop and served as a guest mentor. On the upcoming season, arriving March 9, the musician will be joined by returning judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and newcomer Carrie Underwood.

Ahead of Carrie Underwood’s Inauguration day performance, ABC representatives announced the country music singer would star as the next panel judge on American Idol. Underwood became a household name after winning the fourth season of the competition show. Katy Perry stepped down from the series in Feb. 2024, opening up the judging gig for Underwood. Perry exited after seven seasons on American Idol, and said on Jimmy Kimmel Live, ““I love Idol so much. It’s connected me with the heart of America. But I need to feel that pulse of my own beat.”

Jelly Roll has juggled both live performances and acting announcements in recent weeks. He made his acting debut in the CBS action drama Fire Country and performed at the FireAid benefit concert, which raised funds for those affected by the California wildfires, last week.