Seven-time Grammy nominee Jelly Roll just landed a massive new job. He is a permanent judge on the Netflix revival of Star Search. The show returns on January 20, 2026, with live episodes twice a week. This is a huge deal for Jelly Roll since he is moving from a guest mentor to a full-time boss who decides who stays and who goes.
He is not just there to talk about singing. He wants to find audacious stars who are not afraid to be themselves. While other judges like Sarah Michelle Gellar focus on acting, Jelly Roll brings a real-world feeling to the music side. He knows what it is like to be unpolished because he became a star his own way through his album Beautifully Broken.
Star Search | Official Trailer | Netflix
Fans are already very excited to see him on their TV screens. One viewer said they love how he is a man of the people who understands the struggle. Another fan mentioned that his large following will definitely watch the show just for him. People feel like he makes the show less fancy and more about real talent.
On the Joe Rogan Experience, Jelly Roll spoke about how he completely changed his life after being in jail many times. He told Joe that he did not just fix his old heart, but God gave him a brand-new heart to start over. This kind of big change makes him the most mature person for the judge’s seat. He understands that everyone deserves a real path to redemption.
Joe Rogan Experience- Jelly Roll
During the podcast, he even discussed his massive weight loss and how discipline changed his entire world. He wants to bring that same focus to the show’s contestants. He told Joe Rogan that there are no rules for success and you should just be yourself. This simple honesty is exactly what he will look for when he watches new singers perform.
Jelly Roll is the best example of how a person can grow and become something great. His journey from a prison cell to the judge’s table is truly inspiring for everyone. Follow Jelly Roll on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to see him change lives on the new Star Search.