American Idol Season 23 Highlights: The Top 24 and Mentors in Hawaii
The excitement of American Idol season 23 is in full swing as it reaches its pivotal Top 24 stage, set against the stunning backdrop of Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa in Hawaii. This season has seen the addition of three prominent mentors: Jelly Roll, Josh Groban, and Ashanti. Notably, Jelly Roll stands out as the season’s inaugural ‘Artist in Residence’, making a substantial impact on the contestants and their development.
Contestants Shine a Light on Jelly Roll
Contestant Desmond Roberts expressed his admiration for Jelly Roll, describing him as an authentically kind individual. Speaking to On The Red Carpet on April 13, 2025, he said:
“Let’s just start with how sweet he is as a person. Like, he is just one of the sweetest, most like, down-to-earth people that I’ve seen in a while. He’s somebody that even if he wasn’t an artist, I feel like I would be friends with him.”
This sentiment resonates throughout the contestants, reflecting the warm connections Jelly Roll has fostered this season.
Hawaii Round: Mentorship and Growth
As American Idol transitions into the nationwide voting phase, the mentorship provided during the Hawaii episodes is crucial. Jelly Roll returned this season with a comprehensive mentoring role, building on his previous experience from season 22. This expanded involvement allows him to engage with all contestants, enriching their performance development.
Contestant MKY voiced his appreciation for Jelly Roll, highlighting their musical connection. He remarked:
“Jelly Roll is iconic, man. You know what? When they brought him on the show, all I could think of was my song ‘Save Me,’ and he has a song called ‘Save Me.’ So I’m like, ‘Man, look at that—the symbolism.’ But he’s a great artist, man, and he’s given me some really great feedback.”
Accompanying Jelly Roll in mentorship are Grammy-winning artists Josh Groban and Ashanti. Each mentor plays a vital role in refining the contestants’ performances, offering insights into vocal technique, emotional expression, and stage presence.
Insights from Jelly Roll on His American Idol Journey
In an interview with Billboard on April 11, 2025, Jelly Roll reflected on his responsibilities as Artist in Residence:
“I immediately told my publicist, ‘We’ve got to go back. We’ve got to figure this out. We’ve got to do that again.’ I already hated that I only got to work with half of them, so I was watching the show all year thinking, ‘I wished I worked with that kid. I might’ve been able to…'”
He commended Tori Kelly for her past mentorship and reiterated his long-standing admiration for American Idol, emphasizing its unique ability to turn dreams into reality. Jelly Roll likened the experience to being at Disneyland, highlighting how special it is to return this season in an expanded role.
When describing his mentorship approach, Jelly Roll sees himself as a bridge connecting young talents with both the audience and the judges.
“I call them my little babies. They all love me. They listen to me. I listen to them too. We spend as much time talking off camera as we do on,” he shared, indicating his deep commitment to the contestants’ journeys.
New episodes of American Idol air on Sundays and Mondays at 8 PM EST on ABC, with next-day streaming available on Hulu.