'American Idol' Season 22 fans call potential Luke Bryan replacement Jelly Roll 'bad influence' on Lionel Richie
HONOLULU, HAWAII: 'American Idol' is down to its final 24 competitors, with Jelly Roll serving as one of two mentors, after viewers had mixed feelings about him on the show when mentoring the other 12 finalists.
Fans are now divided on Jelly's mentorship, with some believing the singer might distract fellow judge Lionel Richie, who seems enthralled by the prior contestant's presence.
On April 8, the audience witnessed Jelly mentoring the last 12 candidates on Ko Olina before they performed at Disney's Aulani Resort and Spa. The 39-year-old singer did double duty as a mentor and performer on the singing competition show.
He played his popular single, 'Halfway to Hell'. Fans had mixed thoughts about Jelly and his mentorship on the program, with some pointing out how distracting the Jelly-Lionel pairing may be if reports are true that Jelly will be replacing long-serving judge Luke Bryan.
On X, one fan wrote, "I feel like Lionel is so bamboozled in an awe way by Jelly Roll." One user questioned, "Who decided Jelly Roll should coach these kids on how to sing. He can’t even sing."
I feel like Lionel is so bamboozled in an awe way by Jelly Roll🤣 #AmericanIdol
— Kelli (@kellynn23) April 9, 2024
The judges on #AmericanIdol are such a soft. Watched the documentary on “We are the world” and Lionel was an architect on that song. He should be the toughest judge on set.
— Adam Clark (@ASClark84) April 9, 2024
And who decided Jelly Roll should coach these kids on how to sing. He can’t even sing.
On Reddit, some fans wrote, "Jelly roll and Lionel together would be a grade school teachers worst nightmare." Another person chimed in, "I’ve never seen Lionel act like this. He loves jelly roll lol."
One user believe, "Jelly Roll should replace Katy, but I don’t think Lionel would be able to concentrate!!" Another person added, "Jelly roll is a bad influence on lionel in the absolute nonsense department."
Some claimed, "Lionel is just going to spew out 20 times more bs." "Lionel, step away from jelly roll!!!" wrote one Redditor.
Will Jelly Roll replace 'American Idol' judge Luke Bryan?
Country artist Jelly is allegedly on the shortlist to replace Luke on 'American Idol'. Following Katy Perry's surprise departure as a judge after seven seasons, the show's producers have already begun hunting for a major personality to replace the 47-year-old 'Country Girl (Shake It For Me)' hitmaker if he also chooses not to return.
Jelly, who just received a Country Music Association Award for Best New Artist and had three number-one country singles last year, is presently a guest mentor on American Idol's 22nd season.
"It's doubtful Luke will continue on Idol after this season, so they're bringing Jelly on to test the waters and see how viewers react," a source told the National Enquirer.
The insider continued, "Their only worry is that Jelly is such a sweet guy, he won't have the heart to be brutally honest in critiquing a contestant — but he would instantly make the show hotter and more relevant!"
Jelly Roll sobs while grieving with young 'American Idol' contestant Mia Matthews
Jelly found himself moved by the narrative of nineteen-year-old Mia Matthews. Mia sang Holly Dunn's 'Daddy's Hands' as a tribute to her father, who was from Hawaii and passed away before he could show her his birthplace.
The teenager was able to move Jelly to tears during rehearsal.
"I lost my father in 2019. So brave of you to pick that song," Jelly said, his eyes welling with tears. "It's probably the single hardest experience I ever had."
"Thanks for making me cry. I hate you," he quipped. "I love you!" she said, and he felt the same way.
'American Idol' mentor Jelly Roll won big at CMT Music Awards and iHeartRadio Music Awards
Jelly has appeared to be everywhere in recent months, following a successful year. Jelly won every category he was nominated for at the 2024 CMT Music Awards, including Video of the Year, Male Video of the Year, and CMT Performance of the Year for 'Need a Favor'.
On April 1, 2024, he received two iHeartRadio Music Awards: Best New Artist in Country and Best New Artist in Pop.
'American Idol' Season 22 airs on Sundays and Mondays at 8 pm ET on ABC