Katy Perry may not be with American Idol any more, but the person she suggested replace her on the hit singing competition will be joining the weekly competition series, just not as a judge.
Jelly Roll, 40, was announced Tuesday as the show’s first ever ‘artist in residence.’
Video on social media show the Save me singer was seen twirling host Ryan Seacrest in a giant bear hug.
‘I’m American Idol’s Artist in Residence,’ the hitmaker exclaimed into the camera.
‘You’re shaping America’s future,’ Seacrest, 50, told his friend and new co-worker.
Jelly Roll will be joining the show during Hollywood Week and continue to appear throughout the season.
Jelly Roll, 40, is joining season 23 of American Idol as the first ever ‘artist in residence’ (Pictured in Pasadena, CA February 1)
‘I feel like I’m the energy they need. I’m uplifting and trying to get ’em going,’ he said.
‘I need you everyday,’ Seacrest said. ‘Speaking of goin’, I’m going, you going?’ Jelly Roll said adding, ‘Let’s go,’ before throwing Seacrest over his shoulder and walking away while members of the crew laughed.
‘Had to lift up @ryanseacrest just like I’m gonna lift up the @americanidol hopefuls!’ the CMT Music Award winner wrote next to the video on social media.
‘Honored to be Idol’s first-ever ARTIST IN RESIDENCE—mentoring with heart, soul, and real experience!’
The Son of a Sinner singer served as a performer and guest mentor during the shot’s visit last year to Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawai’i.
Part of his new job will be to work with young hopefuls by giving them advice on how to navigate their journey, according to Variety.
Fans were excited about the new addition to the competition.
‘I loved you on this last time,’ wrote a fan, ‘so excited for your positivity.’
‘IM NOW TUNING IN FOR JELLY,’ replied another.

‘I’m American Idol’s Artist in Residence,’ the hitmaker exclaimed into the camera. ‘You’re shaping America’s future,’ host Ryan Seacrest, 50, told his friend and new co-worker in a video released on social media Tuesday

Jelly Roll will be joining the show during Hollywood Week and continue to appear throughout the season as a mentor. ‘I feel like I’m the energy they need. I’m uplifting and trying to get ’em going,’ he said


Katy Perry, 40, had suggested Jelly Roll replace her as a judge following her exit from American Idol in May. Instead, as an ‘artist in residence, ‘ the Wild Ones singer will work with young hopefuls by giving them advice on how to navigate their journey

Former Idol winner Carrie Underwood, 41, will be taking Perry’s place on the judges panel next to Lionel Richie and fellow country artist Luke Bryan when the new season debuts March 9
In an interview with E! News in April 2024, the Billboard Music Award winner said, ‘I gotta say Jelly Roll was crazy when he came on the show. I was convinced at anything he said,’ the When I’m Gone singer exclaimed.
‘He could run for president, he could be my pastor, I might go back to church for him. He could sell me anything,’ she explained after interacting with the Wild Ones singer who appeared on the April 8 episode.
Former Idol winner Carrie Underwood, 41, will be taking Perry’s place on the judges panel next to Lionel Richie and fellow country artist Luke Bryan when the new season debuts March 9.