Jelly Roll Joins ‘American Idol’ As First-Ever ‘Artist in Residence’

Jelly Roll will be American Idol‘s first-ever “artist in residence” for the upcoming season, joining the show during “Hollywood Week” and continuing to be a permanent fixture throughout. As a previous guest mentor and performer on the show, Jelly Roll will offer direct guidance to the Idol hopefuls. This news coincides with Carrie Underwood replacing Katy Perry as a judge, marking the first change at the judges’ table in seven years. Season 23 of American Idol premieres on Sunday, March 9, on ABC, with a special preview of the season airing after the Oscars telecast on March 2. Jelly Roll’s recent album, 2024’s Beautifully Broken, debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, and the country singer received two 2025 Grammy nominations for his hit single, “I Am Not Okay,” as well as a nod for Best New Artist in 2024. (Variety)