Jelly Roll Takes Up Residence On American Idol
Season 23 of the hit reality show American Idol is a star-studded affair. Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie serve as judges, and Jelly Roll has just joined the team as the show’s first-ever “artist in residence.”
The “artist in residence” is intended to be a regular and influential mentor for the contestants, providing them with advice and direction as they navigate the different phases of the competition.
While the role may be new to American Idol, Jelly Roll is not. The “Save Me” singer performed on the finale of Season 21 and also served as a guest mentor last season, working alongside American Idol alum Tori Kelly.
Olivier Bergeron Performs “I Am Not Okay”
Aspiring singer Olivier Bergeron advanced to the top 24 of American Idol after he went head-to-head with fellow contestant Cali Morris for a duet performance of Imagine Dragons’ “Radioactive.”
This week, the 23-year-old truck driver took a song directly from the playbook of the “artist in residence” and performed “I Am Not Okay” live from Disney’s Aulani resort in Kapolei, HI.
Jelly Roll released “I Am Not Okay” in June 2024 as the lead single from his tenth studio album, Beautifully Broken. Coincidentally, he debuted the song on the season finale of American Idol’s competitor show, The Voice. The song has since topped the US Country Airplay chart and has been certified Platinum by the RIAA.
Olivier breathed new life into the song with a rock-n-roll edge. Jelly Roll stood in the crowd as his song was performed and told the cameras, “He’s killing it!”
The Judges And Jelly Roll React To Olivier’s Performance
At this point in the season, American Idol viewers vote and determine who advances in the competition. The judges also offer feedback to each contestant based on their years of industry experience.
Carrie Underwood noted how much the young singer has grown just since being on the show and encouraged him to “keep pushing.” Luke and Lionel echoed the same sentiment, emphasizing how important it is for Olivier to find his confidence on stage and continue to discover his performance style.
Although not a judge, Jelly Roll had the chance to share some inspiring words:
“I know what it’s like to be untrained and overwhelmed and just singing from the bottom of my soul with every part of me shaking. I see it and feel it in you… I am a big fan, and I am family. ”
Watch Olivier Bergeron perform Jelly Roll’s “I Am Not Okay” on American Idol below!
