Jelly Roll Is the First-Ever ‘Artist in Residence’ on ‘American Idol’

Jelly Roll is stepping into a new Jelly role!

The Grammy-nominated country superstar is set to appear on the 23rd season of American Idol, as the show’s first-ever “artist in residence,” according to Variety. Per the publication, Jelly will first appear on the season during the “Hollywood Week” episodes and continue to become “a permanent fixture this season and will work closely with the Idol hopefuls, giving them firsthand advice on how to navigate the journey.”

It’s hardly Jelly’s first time on American Idol. In 2024, he appeared as a guest mentor on the April 8 episode of the show and performed his song “Halfway to Hell” from his 2023 album Whitsitt Chapel.

Before that, in 2023, he teamed with Lainey Wilson to perform “Save Me” on the American Idol finale. He also performed “Need a Favor” with Idol contestant Oliver Steele.

Former judge Katy Perry even suggested that the country star be the one to replace her after her departure from the show, before it was announced that Carrie Underwood would be the newest judge on the panel. “I gotta say, Jelly Roll was crazy when he came on the show,” the pop star had told E! News of the country a. “I was convinced at anything he said. He could run for president, he could be my pastor, I might go back to church for him. He could sell me anything.”

The newest season of American Idol premieres on Sunday (March 9) on ABC, before it streams the next day on Hulu.