As Katy Perry gears up for her departure from American Idol, she's leaving fans on the edge of their seats with her pitch for her potential replacement. Perry shared her enthusiasm for one particular artist to join the judges' panel, setting tongues wagging and anticipation soaring.

In a recent interview with E! News following the April 15 live show, Perry couldn't contain her admiration for Jelly Roll, the "Son Of A Sinner" artist who made waves with his appearance on the April 8 episode of American Idol as a guest mentor. With her departure looming, Perry expressed her fervent support for Jelly Roll's inclusion in the judges' lineup, praising his charisma and conviction. 

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"I gotta say Jelly Roll was crazy when he came on the show," the hitmaker told the publication. "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." 

Perry emphasized the importance of authenticity and courage in her replacement – stressing the need for a "truth teller" unafraid to speak their mind gracefully and immune to the negativity of online criticism. 

"So I love him," she said. "And to have any of these guys plus Jelly on the show would be amazing. I love you, Jelly! I want a truth-teller. I want someone that is not afraid to tell the truth in a graceful way." 

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Reflecting on her own experiences as a woman in the spotlight, Perry underscored the necessity for a strong sense of self and intuition in navigating the pressures of the industry.

"Unfortunately, when you're a woman, and you have an opinion, or you're a boss, sometimes you're also considered a B-I-T-C-H…so just someone that has a strong sense of self, that listens to their intuition." 

The resilient singer-songwriter has been with the iconic show for nearly seven seasons. 

Her decision to step down is driven by a desire to explore new opportunities rather than retreating from the limelight. Teasing the release of her upcoming album, KP6, Perry assured fans that her departure marks not an end, but a new chapter in her career.

Meanwhile, Jelly Roll's star continues to rise, with recent accolades at the 2024 CMT Music Awards and the iHeartRadio Music Awards, cementing his status as a rising icon in the music industry. His role as a celebrity guest mentor on American Idol has only added to his acclaim – drawing praise from both fans and host Ryan Seacrest.

Jelly Roll turned to social media following his appearance to share his experience. Many viewers believe he's foreshadowing his next career move as a judge.

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"I could get used to doing this. #americanidol," he wrote on Instagram. 

His post sparked theories and excitement among fans. Some even flocked to the comments to encourage the vocalist to pursue the venture. 

"You were amazing! The contestants were blessed to have you," a fan wrote. "Jelly gonna replace Katie. Epic show tonight. JR for President," theorized a viewer. "You were truly the best mentor. I hear there's an opening for a full-time judge next season," said another. 

Fan Of View: With his unique background and unconventional rise to fame, Jelly Roll embodies authenticity and resilience, qualities that would greatly benefit contestants navigating the pressures of the competition. As a genre-bending artist, Jelly Roll's presence would encourage contestants to explore diverse musical styles beyond their comfort zones – fostering growth and creativity. 

Is Jelly Roll the right choice for the role? Let us know your Fan Of View below. 

Photo Credit: @jellyroll615 on Instagram.