Jelly Roll, the country singer, made a notable appearance on Netflix’s reboot of Star Search. The show kicked off on January 20, and the next evening took a more spiritual turn when contestant Bear Bailey performed Hard Fight Hallelujah, a song popularized by Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake.
Bailey, sharing his own struggles, disclosed that, like Jelly Roll, he had battled drug addiction. “I’m just an imperfect human loved by a perfect God,” he expressed. “Jesus saved me,” he added, explaining how addiction had cost him everything, yet he found solace in faith.
Jelly Roll, one of the judges alongside Sarah Michelle Gellar and Chrissy Teigen, was taken aback by Bailey’s performance of his song. “I had no idea,” he admitted, holding back tears, noting that he had won three Dove Awards in the past year for it.
He recounted praying that morning, asking God for an opportunity to discuss his faith. While Jelly Roll expressed enthusiasm for the first night of competition, he also reflected that he felt he hadn’t yet fulfilled his purpose.
Bailey’s performance drew an enthusiastic reaction from the audience. Jelly Roll remarked on the profound atmosphere, stating, “What I just saw was a room full of people… but it’s called the Holy Spirit of God,” igniting applause. He reassured the attendees that God cares about their past struggles: “He’s here to father you.” Bailey was visibly emotional, requiring comfort from host Anthony Anderson.
Jelly Roll encouraged Bailey, saying, “He’s here to pour life into you,” before expressing excitement for the upcoming live airing on Netflix, urging Bailey to proudly sing about his faith on the platform. “Can I hear an amen here?” he asked, laughing.
Jelly Roll further emphasized that God represents love and acceptance for everyone, assuring Bailey of his support as they transform the song into a declaration of faith together. He even humorously noted, “I know Brandon Lake is crying somewhere right now,” referring to his collaborator.
Bailey successfully advanced to the next round. The show, Star Search, will continue to air live on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9 PM ET.
Related articles
Jelly Roll celebrates modern Christianity’s shift toward love and empathy.
First publication date is January 26, 2026.
