Having conquered the country music scene, Jelly Roll now has his sights set on American Idol. The “I Am Not Okay” singer made his debut as a mentor last year on the ABC reality singing competition show. His cameo was well received, with many viewers pushing to see him replace the exiting Katy Perry as a judge. While that failed to materialize, Idol fans haven’t seen the last of Jelly Roll. And if the East Tennessee-born artist, 40, has his way, they won’t for a very, very long time.
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Jelly Roll Is Stepping into a Special Role on ‘American Idol’
American Idol kicks off its 23rd season at 7 p.m. Central on Sunday, March 9, on ABC. This year brings a few changes, most notably to the judging panel. Twenty years after her season 4 victory, country superstar Carrie Underwood is returning to the show that helped make her career. Replacing Katy Perry, the “Before He Cheats” songstress, 41, will take her seat beside fellow judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.
Additionally, Jelly Roll will again join this season as American Idol’s first-ever artist-in-residence. According to an ABC spokesperson, the Grammy nominee will provide “firsthand advice on how to navigate the journey.” He makes his season 23 debut during Hollywood Week.
Spending more than a decade in the music industry, Jelly Roll certainly has the qualifications to mentor aspiring artist. However, he’s also a massive Idol fanboy—and he tells Entertainment Tonight that that’s what ultimately landed him the gig.
“That’s how I got the job, is just fanning my way into the job and proving how much I know and love about American Idol,” Jelly said.
He Wants to Lock It In
And if the “Son of a Sinner” crooner has his way, he’ll be the show’s first and last artist-in-residence. “What I want to do is get a permanent artist-in-residency there,” he told ET. “That’s my dream right now … it never could be anybody but me, and American Idol signs a lifelong contract for Jelly Roll to be the mentor artist-in-residence.”
Already invested in this year’s crop of contestants, Jelly says he is most excited to “pay it forward.”
Before I wrote a song … music changed my life,” he said. “These kids are on the verge of having their life changed.”
Catch American Idol this Sunday, March 9, at 7 p.m. Central on ABC.
Featured image by Aric Becker/ISI Photos/Getty Images
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