Yahoo Lifestyle 'American Idol' Shakes Things Up With a New Mentor and Artist in Residence
Season 8 of American Idol on ABC (Season 23 overall) is welcoming home Carrie Underwood when the Season 4 winner takes over the judges’ chair vacated by Katy Perry. Carrie won’t be the only new face joining returning OG host Ryan Seacrest and judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.
Also, making an appearance will be Grammy Award-winning artist Josh Groban, who will serve as mentor when the Top 24 head to the Disney Aulani Resort. Previous mentors have included Tori Kelly, Jelly Roll, Kane Brown, Shania Twain, Allen Stone and Bebe Rexha, to name a few.
Related: New American Idol Judge Carrie Underwood Takes Us Back to 2005 in Heartwarming Video
Along with a photo from the 50th state, Josh posted on Instagram: “Guess who’s mentoring on @americanidol at @disneyaulani this season? 🧐 Spoiler: this guy! 🤙”
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Another change for the season also involves Jelly Roll, who returns to American Idol as this season’s “Artist in Residence,” a new role following his stint as a mentor in Aulani last year. He will make his first appearance during Hollywood Week.
In the video below, Ryan welcomes Jelly: "I'm American Idol's Artist in Residence!" shouted Jelly Roll, with Ryan saying of the new role, "You're shaping America's future." Jelly went on, "I feel like I'm giving them the energy they need. I'm uplifting and trying to get 'em goin'!"
The search for the next superstar begins when American Idol returns on Sunday, March 9, on ABC. Plus, a special preview of the season will air following The Oscars on Sunday, March 2 on ABC. Streaming next day on Hulu.
