Katy Perry Recommends Jelly Roll For Her Replacement As 'American Idol' Judge

Katy Perry would be up for adding another country star on the panel of American Idol judges after she leaves the reality singing competition at the end of this season.

After seven seasons as a judge, Perry announced her departure from American Idol during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

“I think this will probably be my last show, my last season for Idol,” she told Kimmel earlier this year. “I mean, I love Idol so much. It's connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse, that pulse to my own beat.”

And now, as American Idol whittles the competition down to 14 singers, Perry backtracked to Jelly Roll’s appearance on the show last week (8 April) and pointed out that he’d be her ideal replacement.

“I gotta say Jelly Roll was crazy when he came on the show,” Perry said after the show’s recent live episode (15 April) via E! News. “I was convinced [by] anything he said. He could run for president, he could be my pastor, I might go back to church for him. He could sell me anything.”

She continued, “I love him. To have any of these guys [current judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan] plus Jelly on the show would be amazing. I love you, Jelly!”

Perry also praised Jelly Roll for his honesty, stating what she wants from her replacement: “I want a truth-teller. I want someone that is not afraid to tell the truth in a graceful way.”

Jelly Roll accompanied host Ryan Seacrest and judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan to Hawaii last week, where he served as a guest mentor for burgeoning young singers.

Oliver Steele, a 2023 Idol contestant who dueted Need A Favor on stage with Jelly Roll during last year’s season, commented on the American Idol Instagram page, “I can say from experience, this man is an excellent mentor!!!”

Jelly Roll appeared on the finale of last year’s season of American Idol for a duet with Steele, in addition to a performance of Save Me with Lainey Wilson.