American Idol season 23 will feature country music superstar Jelly Roll as its new artist in residence, but he was the wrong choice for the job for one important reason. Besides the addition of Jelly Roll, American Idol season 23 will introduce another big change, which is the first shakeup of the judging since ABC revised the reality singing competition series in 2018. Country music legend and American Idol season 4 winner Carrie Underwood will take departing judge Katy's Perry's place alongside judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

As the American Idol season 23 artist in residence, Jelly Roll will work closely with the contestants, giving them advice about how to go through their experience. He'll debut during Hollywood Week, and then make appearances throughout the rest of the season. Jelly Roll previously appeared on American Idol season 22 as a Hawaii Week mentor, and he did such a phenomenal job, that some thought that he should take Katy's place at the judging table. Although Jelly Roll has many qualities that will make him a fantastic artist in residence, he was the wrong person for the job for an obvious reason.

American Idol Season 23 Has Too Many Country Stars In Its Cast

Lionel Richie Is Now The Only Cast Member Who Represents A Different Genre

American Idol season 23 now has two judges, Luke and Carrie, from the country music genre. Lionel is the only judge who represents different musical genres, which are R&B and soul. Katy is one of the most successful and beloved pop stars of all-time, and she brought her expertise in that genre to the show, which made for the perfect balance among the judges, with three different types of music being represented. Now, two-thirds of the judges are from the country music genre.

While Jelly Roll was a wonderful mentor in American Idol season 22, he's yet another singer from the world of country music. The show has long been criticized for favoring country music contestants, as many of its finalists sing songs from the genre, and some have even gone on to win, including Carrie, Scotty McCreery, Laine Hardy, Chayce Beckham, and Noah Thompson. Some fans have even lamented that the show's name should be changed to Country Idol, as the country singers often get the most votes and make it to the Top 10, which pushes out the contestants from other genres.

A Singer From A Different Genre Should've Been The American Idol Season 23 Artist In Residence

There Were Many Other Choices For The Role

Adding Jelly Roll to the American Idol season 23 cast now puts even more emphasis on the country music genre, so the show should've considered someone else for the role instead. During season 22, pop stars Tori Kelly and Meghan Trainor were fabulous mentors, as was rock legend Jon Bon Jovi. They would've been good choices for the artist in residence because they'd bring a whole different perspective to American Idol season 23.

While it's possible that some of these potential artists in residence might not have wanted to the cast of American Idol season 23, Meghan Trainor fiercely campaigned to take Katy's place on the judging , so it's difficult to imagine that she would've turned it down. She would've been perfect for the role of artist in residence, and would've brought the pop perspective to the show.

American Idol originated in the United Kingdom, where it was called Pop Idol. This proves that the goal of the show has always been to discover a pop star in any genre, so having a successful pop star as the artist in residence would've made more sense. While Jelly Roll might have the personality and the experience to be a magnificent mentor, American Idol season 23 should've chosen a singer from a different genre as the artist in residence.

American Idol season 23 premieres on Sunday, March 9 at 8 p.m. EST on ABC.