Country Star Jelly Roll Becomes 'California Famous' After Star Search Appearance

The 'Son of a Sinner' singer was recognized on Rodeo Drive for the first time after joining the Netflix show as a celebrity judge.

Feb. 26, 2026 at 3:31pm

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Country singer Jelly Roll, who recently starred as a celebrity judge on Netflix's 'Star Search', opened up about the moment he realized he had reached a new level of fame. Jelly Roll, 41, said that for the first time, he was recognized by fans while walking down Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles, an experience he described as becoming 'California famous'. The singer, who released his first mixtape in 2003 but didn't score his first No. 1 on country radio until 2023's 'Son of a Sinner', was surprised by the support and friendship he received from fellow judges Chrissy Teigen and Sarah Michelle Gellar on the show.

Why it matters

Jelly Roll's rise to fame and recognition on the streets of Beverly Hills highlights his growing popularity and the impact of his appearance on the high-profile Netflix series 'Star Search'. As a country artist from Tennessee, becoming 'California famous' represents a significant milestone in his career and expanding his fanbase beyond his regional roots.

The details

Jelly Roll, who released his first mixtape in 2003 but didn't score his first No. 1 on country radio until 2023's 'Son of a Sinner', said he was surprised by the support and friendship he received from fellow 'Star Search' judges Chrissy Teigen and Sarah Michelle Gellar. He initially thought he was brought on the show 'to be the ruse', but the A-list actors ended up treating him 'like family from day one'. Jelly Roll hopes to judge another season of 'Star Search', possibly even twice in one year.

  • Jelly Roll released his first mixtape in 2003.
  • Jelly Roll scored his first No. 1 on country radio in 2023 with 'Son of a Sinner'.
  • Jelly Roll recently starred as a celebrity judge on Netflix's 'Star Search'.

The players

Jelly Roll

A 41-year-old country singer who recently starred as a celebrity judge on Netflix's 'Star Search' and scored his first No. 1 on country radio in 2023 with his song 'Son of a Sinner'.

Chrissy Teigen

A fellow celebrity judge on Netflix's 'Star Search' who has been supportive of Jelly Roll and treated him 'like family from day one'.

Sarah Michelle Gellar

A fellow celebrity judge on Netflix's 'Star Search' who has been supportive of Jelly Roll and treated him 'like family from day one'.

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What they’re saying

“I'll tell you this, this show was the first time I couldn't walk down Rodeo Drive. For real. I'm California famous now.”

— Jelly Roll, Country Singer

“I did not expect them to have my back the way they have. 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.”

— Jelly Roll, Country Singer

What’s next

Jelly Roll hopes to judge another season of 'Star Search', possibly even twice in one year.

The takeaway

Jelly Roll's rise to 'California fame' after appearing as a celebrity judge on Netflix's 'Star Search' highlights his growing popularity and the power of high-profile TV appearances to expand an artist's fanbase beyond their regional roots.