But while fans are happy to see him, many are still scratching their heads, trying to figure out—what exactly is his role on the show?
The genre-blending artist, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, made waves in the 2020s with hits like “Need a Favor,” “Son of a Sinner,” and “Save Me.” His gritty lyrics and soulful performances struck a chord with audiences, and his career has only been on the rise since.
From Mentor to Artist-in-Residence: How Jelly Roll Landed on Idol
It wasn’t long before American Idol took notice. Jelly Roll officially entered the Idol universe during Season 22 as a mentor and guest judge during the semifinals.
That appearance clearly resonated—by the time Season 23 rolled around, he was introduced as the show’s “artist-in-residence.”
According to Variety, this new title was meant to make him “a permanent fixture this season,” with responsibilities including working “closely with the Idol hopefuls, giving them firsthand advice on how to navigate the journey.” A promising title, for sure. But some viewers feel the reality hasn’t quite matched the billing.
“Like I know he did those earlier mentor sessions,” one fan wrote online, “but at this point they’re just showing him saying he’s the artist in residence, but we don’t even see him interacting with the contestants at all? What’s the point of him having a title on the show?”
Is Jelly Roll Being Groomed as a Future Judge?
It’s a fair question—and one that’s being echoed across fan forums. Some viewers are even speculating that the show is using this season to quietly “test the waters” and see how audiences respond to Jelly Roll in a more official role—perhaps even as a future judge.
Of course, that possibility raises other questions. The current judging panel includes Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and, in a recent twist, Carrie Underwood.
With three judges already in place—and two of them male—it’s unclear how Jelly Roll would fit into the lineup.
Still, history offers a precedent. The original Pop Idol format featured three male judges and a fourth female judge, so it’s not impossible.
And let’s be honest—Jelly Roll brings something different to the table: a raw, emotionally grounded perspective that might be just what the show needs.
Fans Might Not Know His Job Title—But They Know They Like Him
Even fans who are unsure about his official duties still seem to enjoy having him around. As one viewer put it, “He’s there to boost confidence and be a stage mom. But he’s also the resident artist, so I’m guessing he helps them behind the scenes. I’ve liked seeing him this season.”
Others echoed that sentiment. “He’s shown in the contestant area cheering on the contestants during each song,” one fan observed. “And in the last episode he spoke at least once. And I’m guessing he’s interacting with the contestants throughout the week.”
There’s also speculation that his involvement goes deeper than what we see on-screen. One viewer suggested, “He probably assists with song choice, even wardrobe and blocking, perhaps.”
Another was more direct: “To me, it looks like he’s auditioning to be a judge next season. Carrie has sewed up the country side of things for them, so they’re covered on that front. He’s more current than Luke and probably has a broader appeal.”
Whatever Jelly Roll’s role ends up being, one thing is clear: his authenticity and passion have added a new layer to American Idol.
Whether he’s headed for a permanent seat at the judges’ table or staying behind the scenes as a mentor, fans are watching closely—and they’re here for it.
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