Photo: ABC
American Idol contestants appeared shocked to learn that Jelly Roll would lend his support throughout the competition as the show’s first-ever “artist in residence.”
A clip from American Idol that was shared on the show’s social media accounts on Sunday evening (April 6) captures the moment the judges revealed Jelly Roll as the artist in residence to the group of Idol hopefuls. Lionel Richie explained, “we [Richie, Luke Bryan and Carrie Underwood] thought we would bring in a little extra support. He’s going to be with us all season long to navigate the ups and the downs of what you are about to go through. Jelly Roll!”
The contestants cheered and applauded as the Beautifully Broken hitmaker appeared in the room. Jelly Roll said he’s “glad to be a part of the Idol family the rest of the season.” American Idol noted that the artist in residence would “help our Idols prep for the first-ever Head-to-Head Round,” slated to air on Monday (April 7) at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT. The show airs on ABC and streams on Hulu.
Jelly Roll was revealed as the artist in residence earlier this year. The reigning iHeartRadio Music Awards Country Artist of the Year previously appeared on the show to serve as a guest mentor and to take the stage as a performer. Jelly Roll said at that time he’s “honored to be Idol’s first-ever ARTIST IN RESIDENCE—mentoring with heart, soul, and real experience!” Watch him surprise the contestants here: