Jelly Roll's Fame Reaches New Heights As He Becomes 'California Famous'

Jelly Roll reflects on his rising stardom and the moment he realized he had reached a new level of popularity.

Jelly Roll is fresh off the newest season of "Star Search," and despite being in the music industry for more than two decades, he has entered a new phase of stardom.

Having risen from a troubled past to widespread recognition later in life, Jelly Roll remains grounded, never taking his fame or platform for granted.

Jelly Roll's 'Star Search' Stint Made Him Even More Famous

Jelly Roll, born Jason Bradley DeFord, was a judge on Netflix's reboot of the reality show "Star Search," and in a conversation with People, the 41-year-old country singer shared how he realized his popularity had reached a new level.

Jelly Roll said he always goes to Rodeo Drive whenever he visits California, but it's the first time he was recognized on the street. "This show was the first time I couldn't walk down Rodeo Drive. For real. I'm California famous now," he said.

According to Jelly Roll, he likes going to Rodeo Drive because no one pays him any attention there. "This was the first time me and my wife were recognized," he said.

The Singer Found 'Forever' Friends In His Co-Judges

 

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Jelly Roll's judging stint on "Star Search" is something new for the singer, describing himself as a "white duck in a yellow duck pond" when it came to the new experience. Initially, he thought he was added to the panel as a "ruse," someone to mix in "with a bunch of real A-list actors."

However, he was pleasantly surprised to find out his co-judges, Chrissy Teigen and Sarah Michelle Gellar, were genuinely nice people. In fact, they have developed quite a friendship during their time as judges, with Jelly Roll visiting their homes and spending time together with them outside the show.

"They have been supportive friends. I've been invited into their homes. I've hung out with their children. They've treated me like family from day one," the "Save Me" singer shared, adding, "We'll be friends forever."

Jelly Roll Achieved Mainstream Success After Almost 20 Years

Jelly Roll began his music career in 2003, but it wasn't until his 2020 song "Save Me" went viral that he began getting widespread attention. In 2023, he won the New Artist of the Year award at the CMA Awards, followed by two Grammy nominations a year later.

Climbing to the top was an uphill battle for Jelly Roll, who had a troublesome childhood that led to incarceration. Despite the challenges, he made necessary changes in his life and turned to music, starting out as a hip-hop artist, later pivoting to rock and country.

"I cried like a baby in front of 12 strangers," Jelly Roll said, referring to the moment he signed his first record deal. It was an emotional moment for the singer, who was determined to make it big in the music industry.

Jelly Roll earned first Grammy wins in February 2026, bringing home three awards for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance, Best Contemporary Country Album, and Best Country Duo/Group Performance.

The Music Star Believes He Has A Bigger Purpose

Jelly Roll, who is a proud Christian, always had faith that everything would work out for him. Despite taking years to find huge success, he persevered, saying, "I just always had faith that God had a bigger purpose for what I was trying to do."

In 2024, Jelly Roll spoke about his popularity and success, saying, "It means that God will always use the least likely messenger with the biggest message, every single time." When it comes to his fame, he uses it to spread his story and send a message to others like him who have struggled or are struggling.

"I would think that people look at me, and they see a piece of me in them. And when I have a small victory, now they're like, 'That's one for us'," he explained.

Jelly Roll Will Be Inducted Into The Grand Ole Opry

Jelly Roll has achieved one of the highest honors in country music, as he is being inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on March 10, as reported by Country Now.

The news was delivered to Jelly Roll by country singer Craig Morgan on the "Joe Rogan Experience" podcast via video. The singer was in tears after hearing Morgan say, "Jelly Roll, you're officially invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry. It's an honor to say, welcome to the family, brother."

From his debut on the Opry stage in November 2021 to his official induction, Jelly Roll has come full circle, joining the ranks of country's most celebrated performers.