Washington DC [US], February 8 (ANI): American rapper and singer Jelly Roll is gearing up to inspire ‘American Idol’ contestants as they prepare for the winning title. The country star will be joining season 22 of the singing competition series as a guest mentor and performer alongside singer-songwriter Tori Kelly, who was previously on the show, according to People.
Both episodes will be recorded at Aulani: A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii, with contestants performing on the beach for judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and presenter Ryan Seacrest.
Kelly, 31, joined the show when she was 18 years old for season 9. Since then, her 2015 debut album Unbreakable Smile became gold-certified, she’s earned two Grammy Awards and starred in the animated series Sing. She is set to release her next single, ‘High Water’ on February 9.
Meanwhile, Jelly Roll, 39, ruled country and rock radio with his hit track ‘Need a Favor’ and was nominated for Best New Artist at the Grammy Awards earlier this month.
In May, People spoke to season 21 winner Iam Tongi, who made history as the first person from Hawaii and the first Pacific Islander to claim victory on American Idol, after his win.
Tongi showed throughout the season how important his family is to him. His mother watched every performance from the audience, and when he returned to his hometown of Kahuku, Oahu, he was received warmly by his friends.
“It’s crazy, all my Polynesian people out there just… they’re always supporting, and when they come, they show out,” he said. “They just cheer for everyone. Honestly, they cheer for everyone. They don’t only cheer for me. My brother voted for Zachariah [Smith]!” Tongi previously moved the judges to tears during his audition by dedicating the song “Monsters” to his father, who died months before the audition.
“I was not worried about whether you were going to make it through the song, I was worried about whether we were going to make it through the song. Your daddy is very proud,” said Richie at the time, as Perry, 39, noted, “What a fantastic song to pick. You’re making these grown men cry.”
“I cannot handle your heartbreaking about your dad because my nephew lost his dad and he came to live with me and just seeing you missing your dad sucks. Gosh man, you’ve got a great voice. You did everything perfectly and I love you and want to see you have fun,” added Bryan, 47.
‘American Idol’ season 22 premieres Sunday, February 18, reported People. (ANI)
