We're just weeks into American Idol season 23, and we're already stunned by all the changes coming through the doors!
The hit ABC show is experiencing a new era in 2025, as season 4 winner Carrie Underwood joins Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie as a judge this season. What's more, American Idol is showcasing unique talent never seen before, including some who may have surprise boyband connections. Nevertheless, everyone moving through to Hollywood is evoking emotion from the judges — but even the experts can use someone to help guide them along the way.
Well, American Idol has truly thought of everything, thanks to the introduction of an Artist in Residence. But since we hadn't heard of this new role before, it made us wonder what exactly this twist will bring to the show. Well, we did some digging for you — and you won't believe which megastar will be stepping into these shoes for the first time.
What is the American Idol Artist in Residence?
According to ABC (per Variety), American Idol's Artist in Residence is a famous musician that is set to be "a permanent fixture" throughout the season. Beginning in Hollywood Week, the Artist in Residence will work alongside the contestants and guide them as they move through the competition. What's more, the Artist in Residence will be there to "give them firsthand advice on how to navigate the journey."
Well, this is quite a task to take on for a musician! And it looks like American Idol found the perfect candidate to help out ...
Who is American Idol's season 23 Artist in Residence?
In early February, American Idol announced that country superstar Jelly Roll would be the Artist in Residence for season 23 in 2025. What's more, the show captured his excitement when he filmed a promo for his new role with host Ryan Seacrest.
"Had to lift up @ryanseacrest just like I’m gonna lift up the @americanidol hopefuls! 🙌 ," he wrote on Instagram. "Honored to be Idol’s first-ever ARTIST IN RESIDENCE—mentoring with heart, soul, and real experience! 🎤💥 I join the show during Hollywood Week, watch it all starting March 9 on ABC & streaming on Hulu!"
Originally breaking into the music industry as a rapper, Jelly Roll started gaining recognition for his work when he switched into the country music genre. He later received four Grammy Awards nominations (including one for Best New Artist in 2024).
It's also cool to note this isn't the first time Jelly Roll has been on American Idol. Folks first got to see him in a similar role when he appeared in season 22 as a mentor during the show's visit to Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii.
Will American Idol still have celebrity mentors in 2025?
While the show is famous for bringing in celebrity mentors throughout the season, this is the first time one superstar will provide guidance for the contestants the whole way through. But it's not like American Idol hasn't had coaches to help them out in the past.
Between 2011 and 2013 (seasons 10-12), fans may remember how Interscope Records co-founder Jimmy Iovine was on hand as an in-house mentor. What's more, American Idol has brought on a number of singers to be advisors during the Hawaii portion of the show over the last few years.
So, will this tradition continue now that Jelly Roll is filling the role of Artist in Residence? Rest assured, the answer is yes. American Idol has already announced that artists Ashanti and Josh Groban will serve as mentors for season 23 in Hawaii.
You know we'll be tuning in for all of this!
As the entertainment and news associate editor for Good Housekeeping, Adrianna (she/her) writes about everything TV, movies, music and pop culture. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in business management. She covers shows like The Rookie, 9-1-1 and Grey's Anatomy, though when she’s not watching the latest show on Netflix, she’s taking martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.
