It looks like “American Idol” artist-in-residence Jelly Roll is a member of the “pink penny club.”
On Sunday night’s episode of the singing competition, the country star and rapper quickly became a fan of contestant Penny Samar, who previously auditioned with a cover of Chappell Roan’s song “Pink Pony Club” — and wore a “pink penny club” top to match.
Samar revisited Roan’s catalog during the episode, as she prepared a rendition of “Good Luck, Babe!” for the next round of the competition, which brought Season 23’s remaining contestants to Hawaii. Over the course of Sunday and Monday’s episodes, the Top 24 “Idol” contenders will face off at Aulani, a Disney resort and spa.
Before performing in front of judges Lionel Richie, Carrie Underwood, and Luke Bryan — and “Idol” viewers, who will vote for their favorites for the first time this season — Samar conferred with Jelly Roll and guest mentor Ashanti.
Unlike the “Idol” judges, who told Samar that she applied too many theatrics to her audition, Jelly Roll called Samar “on an island of her own, no pun intended.”
“Keep being your weird, awkward, happy, bubbly self,” he told her, citing her personality as her “superpower.”
While the “Idol” judges will no longer determine which contestants will advance, the panel still shared enthusiastic support for Samar.
“I feel like you occupy your own lane in this group of talent,” said Underwood, praising Samar’s look, sound, and ability to engage with the audience.
Bryan noted that the stage was Samar’s “playground,” and Richie, who previously criticized Samar’s flair-filled facial expressions, applauded her “drama” and attitude.
“You’ve actually grown quite a bit, congratulations” he said.
“Idol” viewers will decide if Samar advances to this season’s Top 20 contestants. Text-based voting will remain open until 6 a.m. Eastern time on Monday, April 14.
