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Was Jelly Roll a Contestant on ‘American Idol’? Inside His History With the Competition Show
Jelly Roll is currently appearing on season 23 of American Idol as the first ever artist in residence, and he’s a natural with the contestants. In light of his role on the competition show, fans are wondering if he ever competed on American Idol.
Was Jelly Roll a Contestant on ‘American Idol’?
Despite seeming like a natural on the latest season of the show, Jelly Roll never competed on American Idol.
Jelly Roll Has Made Several Appearances on ‘American Idol’
Jelly Roll previously appeared on season 22 of American Idol, where he served as a mentor to half of the remaining contestants in Honolulu. During the same episode, he performed his hit “Halfway to Hell.”
Jelly Roll Was Named American Idol’s 1st Ever Artist in Residence
After making a strong impression during his time on season 22 of American Idol, Jelly Roll was asked to return for season 23 as the show’s first ever artist in residence.
In February 2025, Variety revealed that Jelly Roll was set to become “a permanent fixture this season and will work closely with the Idol hopefuls, giving them first hand advice on how to navigate the journey.”
In addition to the press release announcement, Jelly Roll also shared the exciting news in a promo clip with longtime host Ryan Seacrest.
“I’m American Idol’s artist in residence!” he said in the clip as he picked up Ryan off the ground and enthusiastically spun him around. “I feel like I’m giving them the energy they need. I’m uplifting and trying to get ’em going.”
Ryan then revealed that he enjoyed the twirl. “I like it. It feels good when you helicopter me,” he told the “Wild Ones” singer. “I need you every day.”
‘American Idol’ Season 23 Also Had a New Judging Panel
Not only did Jelly Roll join season 23 in a new role, but the judging panel also experienced some changes.
Former winner Carrie Underwood joined the show as a judge following Katy Perry‘s exit. Meanwhile, both Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie returned to serve as judges on the current season.
While the season marks Carrie’s first as a judge, an insider exclusively told Life & Style that Ryan took her under his wing.
“Ryan has really taken her under his wing, and he’s instructed the other judges to do the same,” the source said in February 2025. “He wants them to really make her feel welcome, not just because he considers her a close friend but also because he would love for her to do more than one season. He thinks it’s a huge coup to have one of the show’s biggest success stories front and center at the judges’ table and believes she’ll serve as an inspiration for all the contestants.”
After noting that he “loves [Carrie’s] warm and bubbly personality and thinks she’s a huge talent,” the insider explained why Ryan was so determined to make her time on the show a success.
“On a personal level, he’s also determined to avoid anything like the Katy situation happening again. The backlash he got was awful, whatever the judges do affects him,” the source shared. “So, he wants to do everything he can to make sure Carrie avoids any pitfalls and stays golden in the fans’ eyes. The best way of doing that is to be supportive and work as a team and ensure there’s no rivalry or cattiness, he’s made it known that won’t be tolerated.”
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