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Jelly Roll Reveals Which ‘American Idol’ Judge Has Become an Amazing Mentor to Him
Country superstar Jelly Roll is savoring his new role as the first-ever artist-in-residence on “American Idol,” appearing on every episode since Hollywood Week to advise and encourage the season 23 contestants. But as much as he loves mentoring the young singers, Jelly Roll says he’s also loved being mentored by fellow country star Luke Bryan, who’s now in his eighth season as a judge on the show.
The two country crooners appeared on “The Jennifer Hudson Show” on April 18, 2025, and before they sat down together with her for a hilarious Q&A session, they both sang each other’s praises during separate interviews.
Jelly Roll Wishes More ‘Established Artists’ Were as Selfless as Luke Bryan
Admitting to the audience that consistently making poor choices from the ages of 14 to 25 landed him in jail multiple times, Jelly Roll said that the birth of his daughter and his faith helped him turn things around.
Now 40 and one of the biggest artists in Nashville, one of the many ways he gives back is by performing for and mentoring men who are incarcerated, like he once was.
“It kind of goes back to my faith,” he explained. “I believe the Lord called us to look after the widowed, to feed the hungry, to visit those in jail. This was kind of direct from the Big Man … if you read the Bible I’m reading. And I’m just trying to do what I said I was gonna do, man, and what I was called to do. So I just try to show up.”
“And I’ll be honest, Ms. Hudson,” he continued. “I have been in a situation where nobody showed up for me. And if you’ve been in a place in life where nobody shows up for you, anytime you get a chance to show up for people, you show up with bells and whistles!”
Since breaking into the music biz, one of the people who has shown up for Jelly Roll is Bryan, 48, he told Hudson.
“Deeper than just ‘American Idol,’ he has been nothing short of a mentor to me,” he said. “I wish more established artists had the mentality Luke has of just wanting to help people. He has no ego, he’ll show up for you in any capacity. Luke has a servant’s heart, man. And you see that on the show, he’s there trying to help these kids as much as I am.”
Bryan has been known to take up-and-coming artists — including “Idol” alums — under his wing. Season 20 runner-up HunterGirl has toured with and learned from him, as has season 19 winner Chayce Beckham.
Luke Bryan Says Jelly Roll ‘Lights Up the Room’
Although Jelly Roll may feel like Bryan has been a mentor to him, Bryan told Hudson during a separate segment on her talk show that Jelly Roll continually inspires him.
“He’s so inspiring,” Bryan said. “He’s like everybody’s preacher. When you leave Jelly Roll’s presence, you’re like, I mean, he lights up the room, you feel his heart.”
Bryan said he loves how Jelly Roll is able to talk with and exemplify for the “Idol” contestants “how everybody’s trajectory and path looks different,” noting that he’s “doing an amazing job (of) just being another support person for these kids.”
Season 23 of “American Idol,” which Hudson said she can’t get enough of, currently airs Sunday and Monday nights on ABC.
