Jelly Roll says he hopes to have a ‘lifelong’ contract on American Idol as an…
Jelly Roll has opened up about his aspirations to get a lifelong contract on American Idol.
Jelly Roll has a taken up a new role on Idol. (Image: Getty)
Jelly Roll is making history as American Idol’s first artist-in-residence.
Jelly Roll, a longtime fan of the show, will take on the new role when Idol returns March 9 on ABC, and he’s hoping to make it permanent.
“What I want to do is get a permanent artist-in-residency there,” he told Entertainment Tonight.
“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.”
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The country star said he landed the gig simply by being an Idol megafan.
Jelly Roll will now be the mentor for artists. (Image: Getty)
“I just fanned my way into the job … proving how much I know and love about ‘American Idol,'” he said.
For Jelly Roll, the best part of the job is helping young artists find their purpose.
“Music changed my life,” he said.
“Before I wrote a song … music changed my life. These kids are on the verge of having their life changed.”
The experience has been surreal for him.
“Every time I leave there, I feel wrong that, like, they let me do that, you know what I mean?” he said.
“Like, I can’t believe they let me do that on TV. It’s crazy.”
He also shared some thoughts on the judging panel.
He called Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie “the funniest … they’re a hoot and a half,” and praised new judge and former “Idol” winner Carrie Underwood, saying she’s “killin’ it.”
Jelly Roll was named artist-in-residence in February.
He will take on his duties during Hollywood Week, working closely with contestants.
ABC has confirmed he will be a “permanent fixture this season.”