Katy shared he opinion with E! News earlier this week saying that Jason, better known as Jelly Roll, left a lasting impression on her when he visited the show during Seasons 21 and 22, and she knew then that he would fit

After seven seasons with American Idol, Katy Perry is retiring as a judge, and she knows exactly who should be her replacement, Jason DeFord.

“I gotta say Jelly Roll was crazy when he came on the show,” she said. “I was convinced at anything he said. He could run for president; he could be my pastor. I might go back to church for him. He could sell me anything.”

“To have any of these guys plus Jelly on the show would be amazing,” she added. “I love you, Jelly!”

Jelly Roll had his big break in 2020 when he released the poignant single Save Me. He has since become one of the industry’s biggest stars with his unique rap-country blends.

The singer has also become known for his openness about his past and his brutal honesty on pop culture and major issues, which is a quality Katy has come to appreciate.

“I want a truth teller,” she continued. “I want someone that is not afraid to tell the truth in a graceful way.”

Katy Perry Is Not Retiring From Music

Katy Perry announced her upcoming exit from American Idol back in February. She admitted that the decision was tough because she and her fellow judges, Luke Perry and Lionel Richie have grown close over the years. But with a 3-year-old and a fiance at home and a massive singing career, she has too much on her plate.

“I’m just trying to make space for other things,” she told ET. “It’s not like me ending this show means I’m going to go retire on an island, even though that would be fabulous. I’m gonna go to work.”