Jelly Roll hypes Alabama singer on ‘American Idol’: ‘You can win this competition’

Three Alabama singers were in the spotlight this week on “American Idol,” performing in Hawaii as members of the top 24 finalists. Triston Harper, Mia Matthews and KBlocks were featured on Monday’s episode of the ABC reality series, singing for an audience at Disney’s Aulani resort on the coast of Oahu.

All three of the contestants from Alabama impressed Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, earning kudos from the celebrity judges. Even more important, perhaps, was the fact that the trio was mentored by Jelly Roll, one of the hottest stars in country music right now.

Jelly Roll connected with Harper, Matthews and KBlocks during rehearsal sessions that were showcased on the two-hour episode. He also emerged as a strong cheerleader for the trio when asked to give his reactions to their stage performances. Jelly Roll saved his most effusive praise for Harper, however, saying the teen from South Alabama could take home the “Idol” crown.

If you haven’t been following “Idol” closely during Season 22 — or simply want a refresher on how the Alabama contestants are doing before the next episode airs — here’s what happened.

TRISTON HARPER

Where he’s from: McIntosh, Alabama, about 45 miles north of Mobile.

What he sang: “God’s Country,” a 2019 hit for Blake Shelton.

During rehearsals with Jelly Roll: Harper expressed his hero worship for Jelly Roll, describing the star as a role model. Jelly Roll seemed to feel a kinship with the young singer, as well. “Triston has the voice of a man who’s been through a lifetime of pain,” Jelly Roll said. “He’s only 15 years old. I really believe that this kid could be something special.”

What Jelly Roll said about Harper’s performance: “You are the youngest man with the oldest soul I’ve ever met in my life. You have a swagger that at 15 years old, you don’t even know you have. You can win this competition, young man. You can win this competition.”

What Lionel Richie said: “Amen! That was amazing. And young man, when you open your mouth, that’s pure magic. You heard it straight from here: Vote, vote, vote.”

What Katy Perry said: “You are a minor, but you are a major deal. Triston, you’ve got grit for days. And I love when you really lean into it. And you have a story to tell, and you’ve been through a lot. You take that pain, you take that anger, you take that sadness and you put it into your music. And every time you sing, that’s how you’re going to release all of it, every single time, because it just sounds so good on you.”

What Luke Bryan said: “Do you sit under a shade tree and, like, whittle wood like grandpas do? Triston, we love you buddy. I mean, this is a big moment for a 15-year-old. This is tough. ... You’re going to do so well in this, and you’re going to do so well in the rest of your career. Just get out there and have fun, and keep doing that ol’ Alabama smile for everybody.”

MIA MATTHEWS

Where she’s from: Centre, Alabama, about 30 miles south of Fort Payne.

What she sang: “Daddy’s Hands,” a 1986 hit for Holly Dunn.

During rehearsals with Jelly Roll: Matthews talked about missing her late father and struck a chord with her mentor. Jelly Roll said his father died in 2019, and began to tear up. “It was the lyrics grabbing me, but it was the texture of her voice. She sang that song like she wrote that song,” Jelly Roll said. “You look America in the eye and you make ‘em feel Mia Matthews. Thanks for making me cry.”

What Jelly Roll said about Matthews’ performance: “It was as emotional as it was in rehearsal. And to see you get vulnerable at the end and just really let that loose was just so special. I love that your decision was, you didn’t care if the (other singers) were doing uptempo music. You were here to honor your father ... You sang with conviction because of it. I felt it; they felt it. I think you slide into the top 20, easy money.”

What Lionel Richie said: “You sang to someone. It’s very hard to carry emotions on stage. Sometimes you want to hold that back because that vulnerability can sometimes throw you off course. In your case, it gave you the best performance I have ever seen come from you on this show. Tonight you nailed your place. And your dad is right here with you, and I just want you to know that we are so proud of you, because that was a moment that we’ll remember.”

What Katy Perry said: “That was profound. I feel like you were born tonight. It was like all of your angels were here supporting you tonight. You took that risk. You rolled the dice. It is paying off for you in spades. Mia, you’re in my mind now, and I hope you’re in America’s mind. I hope you’re in America’s vote. I mean, you blew me away. You really, truly blew me away.”

What Luke Bryan said: “I think what’s really special about you is you are just country through and through. And that song is a song from my childhood. And for you to be essentially a child and come out here, and give your modern-day version of it, and for you to do it in such an impactful manner, just speaks to what you’re going to be as an artist for many, many years. I’m so proud of how country you are, and how you’re growing. Every time we see you on stage, you get better and better.”

KBLOCKS

Where she’s from: Montgomery, Alabama.

What she sang: “Harleys in Hawaii,” a 2019 hit for Katy Perry.

During rehearsals with Jelly Roll: The country star praised KBlocks for making a bold song choice, offered some constructive criticism, and basically told her to go for it.

What Jelly Roll said about the performance: “I love that you are unapologetically you. I love that you had the courage to come sing a Katy Perry song about Hawaii in Hawaii. I love everything about it. I think you took a big swing tonight, and I think you hit the ball.”

What Luke Bryan said: “You’re an artist, and you’re something visual to behold. And to come out here and sing that song in front of Katy, and let it be your own, that’s what we love.”

What Lionel Richie said: “You are possessed when you go on stage. You hit a zone that is so beautiful to watch. Do not be predictable. I don’t care where you go in this competition; your career is (about) your unpredictability.”

What Katy Perry said: “Girl, you gotta do the official remix, OK? I’m California Hawaii; you Alabama Hawaii. ... You put some extra spice on there, and I like how it feels. It’s a whole vibe. ... You and I are going to go to the top 20.”

NEXT UP

The top 20 singers will be revealed during a three-hour episode that airs on Sunday, April 14, at 7 p.m. CT. Four contestants will be eliminated, based on viewer votes from earlier this week. The top 20 will sing again on Sunday for viewer votes that will help to determine the next cut and the top 14 finalists. Results for the top 14 will be announced on Monday, April 15. According to fan sites, viewers will choose 10 contestants in that round, and the judges will pick four wildcards.

If you watch: “American Idol” airs on Sundays and Mondays at 7 p.m CT on ABC. Early episodes of the season are filmed in advance. Eight singers from Alabama made it to Hollywood during Season 22; five were cut during previous episodes.