Jelly Roll, the Nashville-born country star, is making waves not only in the music industry but also in the heart of Music City itself. In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Tonight (ET), Jelly Roll shared his excitement about two major milestones: the opening of his new bar, Goodnight Nashville, and his debut as American Idol’s first-ever Artist in Residence.
A Nashville Bar with a Personal Touch
Goodnight Nashville, located on the bustling Broadway strip, is more than just another honky-tonk. With 27,000 square feet spread across four uniquely themed floors, the bar is designed to offer both tourists and locals an authentic Nashville experience.
“I want you to feel the connection to the city,” Jelly Roll told ET’s Cassie DiLaura. “You’re not just visiting a bar on Broadway; you’re visiting a local bar.”
Each floor of Goodnight Nashville tells a different story. The ground level is a classic honky-tonk, capturing the essence of the city’s famous nightlife. Above that is Bunny’s Floor, named after Jelly Roll’s wife, Bunnie XO, reflecting her personality and style. The third floor, Buddy’s Back Room, is a private speakeasy dedicated to his late father, filled with sentimental touches and family tributes. The rooftop, boasting the highest view on Broadway, provides a breathtaking perspective of the Nashville skyline.
The bar isn’t just about drinks and live music—it also features a menu item named after the singer himself, as well as a tattoo parlor for those looking to commemorate their night in a permanent way. “It’s all Jelly Roll-branded everything,” he said. “And Bunny has her own floor dedicated to her philosophies and what she would want it to be like.”
Becoming American Idol’s First Artist in Residence
In addition to his new business venture, Jelly Roll is making history as American Idol’s first-ever Artist in Residence. This opportunity allows him to work closely with contestants, guiding them through their journey on the show—something he feels deeply passionate about.
“Music changed my life before I even wrote a song,” he said. “These kids are on the verge of having their lives changed, and some of them will never work a regular job again.”
Having been a longtime fan of the show, Jelly Roll’s admiration for the competition played a role in him landing this new gig. “I fan-boyed my way into the job,” he admitted. His goal is to mentor contestants, offering the kind of industry insight he wished he had when starting out.
As he works alongside American Idol judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, he’s enjoying every moment. “They are double the fun off-camera,” he joked, adding that he’s amazed to be a part of shaping the next generation of musicians.
What’s Next for Jelly Roll?
Between his booming music career, Goodnight Nashville, and his role on American Idol, Jelly Roll shows no signs of slowing down. With his latest single “Liar” topping the charts, he continues to dominate both the country and rock music scenes.
His ultimate dream? To make his role as American Idol’s Artist in Residence a permanent one. “I want American Idol to sign a lifelong contract with me,” he joked.
For fans of Jelly Roll, Goodnight Nashville is now open, ready to welcome guests for an unforgettable night in Music City. And for American Idol followers, this season promises an exciting ride with Jelly Roll mentoring the next big stars in music.
For more on Jelly Roll’s latest ventures, check out the full ET interview here.
