American Idolsuperfan Jelly Roll will get a chance to live out his dream this season, and if he gets his way, the country music superstar will remain on the show for years to come.Jelly Roll has signed on as the show’s first ever artist-in-residenceto help guide hopeful contestants through the process.American Idolseason 23returns in early March with veteran host Ryan Seacrest and judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie on board, plusnew judge Carrie Underwood. This comes as Carrie has come under fire amid speculation over whether she can handle being a judge this season.
Jelly Roll will have a huge presence duringAmerican Idolseason 23, but he’s now revealing if he wants to stay on the singing competition show for years to come.
Viewers will once again get the chance to follow contestants from the auditions all the way through the live competition until only one is left. Jelly Roll will be a part of that process as the artist-in-residence, and according to recent comments he made toET,the country singer wants to stick around long after American Idol season 23 is over. “What I want to do is get a permanent artist-in-residency there. 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,” he said.
Jelly Roll has been a vocal fan ofAmerican Idol, and he even appeared on the show in previous seasons as a guest mentor, but now, he’ll be a “permanent fixture,” at least for the 2025 season. He’s an enthusiastic participant, since he’s a big fan of the show’s purpose: changing people’s lives through music. He’s been in the same place as these contestants, just a person with a dream, hoping to hit it big. As for how he landed the role,Jelly Roll was “just fanning my way into the job…proving how much I know and love about American Idol.”
Jelly Roll has a soft spot for theAmerican Idolcontestantsgoing through this process. The reason for that is because “music changed my life…Before I wrote a song…music changed my life. These kids are on the verge of having their life changed.” That’s why he hopes his new gig is permanent.
“What I want to do is get a permanent artist-in-residency there. 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.”
What Jelly Roll Wanting A Permanent Position Means For American Idol
Jelly Roll Really Loves American Idol
Jelly Roll’s passion forAmerican Idolis infectious. He’s appeared on the show as a guest and performer, but he wants a permanent seat on the show. It’s obvious that he really cares about the contestants and their journey onAmerican Idol. The music industry is notoriously hard, and with the added pressure of appearing on a live television show each week,Jelly Roll can be a grounding force for the contestants, offering them guidance, advice and a shoulder to lean on. Jelly Roll will make his debut during Hollywood Week.
Our Take On Jelly Roll Wanting To Sign “Lifelong” American Idol Contract
Let Jelly Roll Be On American Idol Permanently
When a show has been on as long asAmerican Idolhas,producers need to make sure it stays fresh. They’ve revamped the judging panel a few times, like replacing Katy Perry with Carrie Underwood this season. For her part,Carrie is facing criticismdue to her decision to perform at President Donald Trump’s inauguration, dividing fans on whether they approve of her being a judge or not.
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ForAmerican Idolto continue well into the future,they need to let celebrities who are passionate fans like Jelly Roll take part in the show, and giving him a permanent spot like he wants would be a step in the right direction. He clearly knows what he’s doing, since his own music career is flourishing. He also brings heart to the show that will hopefully resonate with viewers.
American Idolseason 23 premieres Sunday, March 9 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.
American Idol
Cast
American Idol is a revival of the groundbreaking television series that redefined the music competition genre. Premiering on July 05, 2025, it features a new generation of contestants vying for a life-changing recording contract, under the guidance of a panel of renowned judges.
