Jelly Roll and Tori Kelly.Photo:Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic; Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic; Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images
Jelly Rollis gearing up to inspireAmerican Idolcontestants as they vie for the winning title.
On Wednesday, PEOPLE confirmed that the country star will be joining season 22 of the singing competition series as a guest mentor and performer alongside singer-songwriterTori Kelly, who was previously on the show.
Entertainment Tonightwas first to report the news.
Both of their episodes are set to tape at Aulani: A Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii, as contestants perform on the beach for judgesLuke Bryan,Katy Perry,Lionel Richieand hostRyan Seacrest.
Kelly, 31, joined the show when she was 18 years old for season 9 and made it to Hollywood week. Since then, her 2015 debut albumUnbreakable Smilebecame gold-certified, she’s earned two Grammy Awards and starred in the animated seriesSing. She is set to release her next single,“High Water,“on Feb. 9.
Meanwhile, Jelly Roll, 39, dominated country and rock radio with his hit single “Need a Favor” and was nominated for best new artist at the Grammy Awards earlier this month.
In May, PEOPLEspoke to season 21 winner Iam Tongi, who made history as the first person from Hawaii and the first Pacific Islander to claim victory onAmerican Idol,after his win.
“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 previouslybrought the judgesto tears during his audition when he dedicated the song “Monsters” to his father, who died months before his 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 heart breaking 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 Idolseason 22 premieres Sunday Feb. 18 at 8 p.m. PT/ET on ABC.
source: people.com
