Jelly Roll Preaches the Gospel on Netflix’s ‘Star Search’: ‘Jesus Is for Everybody’
Country singer Jelly Roll joined a contestant on Netflix’s reboot of Star Search to preach the gospel last week, testifying to the power of Jesus and reminding viewers that God’s love is for everyone.
The live competition debuted Jan. 20 and shifted into a more spiritual moment the next night, when contestant Bear Bailey performed the hit song Hard Fought Hallelujah, popularized by Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake.
Bailey testified that his life, like Jelly Roll’s, has been marked by past bouts with drug addiction.
“I'm a very imperfect person loved by a perfect God,” Bailey said. “Jesus has redeemed me.”
He added he had “lost everything because of addiction” and is “not perfect, but I serve a God who is.”
Jelly Roll, a judge on the reboot of the popular talent competition, said Bailey’s performance of his own song was a surprise. Sarah Michelle Gellar and Chrissy Teigen are the other judges.
🚨Jelly Roll preaches the Gospel on live TV 🔥 pic.twitter.com/t7pEIPRtQx
— GodlyVibez Studios (@GVStudios_TV) January 24, 2026
“I had no clue,” Jelly Roll said, holding back tears. He won three Dove Awards last year for the song.
“I prayed this morning. I said, ‘God, give me an opportunity to talk about you.’”
The first night of the competition “was great,” Jelly Roll said, but “I didn't get to live in my purpose yet” – a reference to his faith.
Bailey brought the audience to its feet with his performance.
Country artist Bear Bailey competes in the Music category LIVE on #StarSearch
— Netflix (@netflix) January 22, 2026
Performing "Hard Fought Hallelujah” by Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake pic.twitter.com/nbqjfVW5DD
“What I have just seen was a room full of people that might not have ever felt it before, but that is called the Holy Spirit of God,” Jelly Roll said to loud applause. “Let me tell you something about the Holy Spirit of God. He don't care anything about your past. He doesn't care what you've been through. He doesn't care about your drug addiction. He is your father. He is here to father you, to show you to be a father of those kids.”
As Jelly Roll spoke, Bailey began crying – and eventually had to be consoled by Anthony Anderson, the host.
“He is here to pour life into you,” Jelly Roll told Bailey. “He hung so you can stand here and sing His name on the biggest streaming service in the world on night two of us being live on Netflix.”
Jelly Roll shouted to laughter: “Can I get an amen in here?”
“God is looking at this right now. This is God, brother,” Jelly Roll continued. “This is a God moment to show what God has done. He is a Redeemer. He is for everybody. Jesus is for everybody. He doesn't hate anybody. He loves everybody, and that's what he stands for. I'm cheering for you. You took my song and made it your song. In fact, you took our song and you gave it to God.”
Jelly Roll then joked, referencing his partner on the hit song: “I know Brandon Lake’s somewhere crying right now.”
Bailey advanced to the next round.
Star Search airs live Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET.
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Jelly Roll Applauds Shift in Contemporary Christianity Toward Love and Empathy
Photo Credit: ©Netflix
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published January 26, 2026.
