Jelly Roll Jokes He’s ‘Accepted the Job’ to Replace Katy Perry on American Idol — but ‘They Haven’t Offered It’

The country star reacted to ‘American Idol’ judge Katy Perry’s previous comment recommending him as her replacement following her exit from the show

Jelly Roll and Katy Perry attend the iHeartRadio Music Awards at Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, California in April 2024. PHOTO: 

If American Idol’s judges’ table has a spot for country star Jelly Roll, he’s ready to step up for the gig.

The “Wild Ones” singer-songwriter, 39, was the first name that came to mind when E! News asked current judge Katy Perry, 39, who she’d like to replace her following her exit from the music competition series.

“I gotta say Jelly Roll was crazy when he came on the show,” she said on April 15. “I was convinced at 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 added, “To have any of these guys plus Jelly on the show would be amazing. I love you, Jelly!”

According to Jelly Roll, he’s more than prepared to take over Perry’s spot next to judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan; he’s just waiting for the call.

“Of course!” the singer told Audacy when asked if he’d think about replacing her. “Consider?! I’ve accepted the job, and they haven’t offered it,” he said with a laugh.

Katy Perry, Bunnie Xo and Jelly Roll at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in Los Angeles in April 2024.CHRISTOPHER POLK/VARIETY VIA GETTY

The Grammy-nominated artist, who recently appeared as a guest mentor and performer on American Idol’s April 8 episode, had nothing but praise for Perry’s comments. The two ran into each other backstage at the iHeartRadio Music Awards in April, where Jelly Roll took home awards for best new artist in both the pop and country categories.

Recalling his recent encounter with Perry, Jelly Roll said, “When we were talking backstage the other day, she tells me this, just me and her, and my wife, of course, everybody’s watching. She says, ‘I’m telling you, you need to replace me.’”

“I always love people that are the same way publicly as they are privately,” he added. “’Cause some people will tell you how great you are privately but then won’t post your album. But it’s like, for her to then immediately, first interview she gets asked, brings me up, I’m like, ‘I love you, Katy!’”

Jelly Roll attends the iHeartCountry Festival presented by Capital One at Moody Center on May 4, 2024 in Austin, Texas.BOB LEVEY/GETTY

During a February appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Perry announced that she was leaving American Idol after seven seasons. “I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for Idol,” she confirmed. “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 to my own beat, you what I’m saying, Jimmy?”

The “Firework” singer also teased that she has more projects, including new music, in the works, adding, “It’s going to be a very, very exciting year, Jimmy, for all pop star girlies.”

As for Jelly Roll, he just completed his first 5K run on Tuesday, May 7, with his wife, Bunnie Xo, cheering him on the whole way. This summer, the “Sober” singer is set to perform at a ​​few music festivals before he kicks off his Beautifully Broken Tour in August. He’s also nominated in four categories at the 2024 ACM Awards, which takes place on Thursday, May 16, where he’ll perform along with Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton and more.