Jelly Roll to JoinAmerican Idolin First-Ever 'Artist in Residence' Role: 'It Feels Good'

Mar. 15, 2025

Jelly Rollhas a new gig!The country star, 40, is making moves and headed toAmerican Idolfor season 23 as the show’s first-ever “Artist in Residence.“In aYouTube video, Jelly and hostRyan Seacrestshared their excitement about the news.Jelly Roll in September 2023.Kevin Winter/Getty"I’mAmerican Idol’s ‘Artist in Residence!'” the “Save Me” singer exclaimed in the clip.When theAmerican Idolhost, 50, asked how he feels about his new role, Jelly replied that “it feels good.“Seacrest then said that it feels like Jelly is “shaping America’s future.““And I feel like I’m giving them the energy they need. I’m uplifting and trying to get ‘em goin’!” said. the “Wild Ones” artist.Jelly then proceeded to pick Seacrest up and throw him over his shoulder before giving him a big hug.Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.Season 23 ofAmerican Idolwill also include a new judge:Carrie Underwood.She will be the first former contestant to join the judges’ panel and will take over forKaty Perry.Underwood — who won season 4 of the singing competition two decades earlier — will join judgesLionel RichieandLuke Bryanand longtime hostRyan Seacrestfor the 2025 season, making it the first time anAmerican Idolalum has made their way from the stageto the judges’ table.In a statement, Craig Erwich, the president of Disney Television Group, called having Underwood back a “full circle moment” for both Carrie and viewers.“This upcoming season marks 20 years since Carrie won America’s hearts onIdoland launched her successful multi-Grammy Award-winning career, As a former Idol and dynamic musical force, she brings a remarkably unique perspective to one of the most popular shows of television,” he said in a press release.Carrie Underwood.Cliff Lipson/CBS/GettyHe added, “This is a full-circle moment both for the show and for audiences at home who have been tuning in for over two decades. Welcome home Carrie.“American Idolseason 23 premieres on March 9 at 8 p.m. on ABC.Fans will get a preview of the upcoming season on March 2, when ABC airs a special after the97th Oscars.

Jelly Rollhas a new gig!

The country star, 40, is making moves and headed toAmerican Idolfor season 23 as the show’s first-ever “Artist in Residence.”

In aYouTube video, Jelly and hostRyan Seacrestshared their excitement about the news.

Jelly Roll in September 2023.Kevin Winter/Getty

Kevin Winter/Getty

“I’mAmerican Idol’s ‘Artist in Residence!'” the “Save Me” singer exclaimed in the clip.

When theAmerican Idolhost, 50, asked how he feels about his new role, Jelly replied that “it feels good.”

Seacrest then said that it feels like Jelly is “shaping America’s future.”

“And I feel like I’m giving them the energy they need. I’m uplifting and trying to get ‘em goin’!” said. the “Wild Ones” artist.

Jelly then proceeded to pick Seacrest up and throw him over his shoulder before giving him a big hug.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Season 23 ofAmerican Idolwill also include a new judge:Carrie Underwood.

She will be the first former contestant to join the judges’ panel and will take over forKaty Perry.

Underwood — who won season 4 of the singing competition two decades earlier — will join judgesLionel RichieandLuke Bryanand longtime hostRyan Seacrestfor the 2025 season, making it the first time anAmerican Idolalum has made their way from the stageto the judges’ table.

In a statement, Craig Erwich, the president of Disney Television Group, called having Underwood back a “full circle moment” for both Carrie and viewers.

“This upcoming season marks 20 years since Carrie won America’s hearts onIdoland launched her successful multi-Grammy Award-winning career, As a former Idol and dynamic musical force, she brings a remarkably unique perspective to one of the most popular shows of television,” he said in a press release.

Carrie Underwood.Cliff Lipson/CBS/Getty

Cliff Lipson/CBS/Getty

He added, “This is a full-circle moment both for the show and for audiences at home who have been tuning in for over two decades. Welcome home Carrie.”

American Idolseason 23 premieres on March 9 at 8 p.m. on ABC.

Fans will get a preview of the upcoming season on March 2, when ABC airs a special after the97th Oscars.

source: people.com