Nearly three weeks after the season 23 finale of “American Idol,” music superstar Jelly Roll continues to be a positive force in the lives of the contestants he mentored as the show’s first-ever artist-in-residence.

On June 6, 2025, top five finalist Thunderstorm Artis revealed on Instagram that he was spending the evening with Jelly Roll, who began mentoring him and other “American Idol” contestants during Hollywood Week. He was then present behind-the-scenes throughout season 23 and appeared on many of the live episodes.

Artis, who hails from Hawaii, posted multiple photos and videos before and during Jelly Roll’s CMA Fest concert at Nissan Stadium, in Nashville where Artis now lives with his wife and two kids. He captioned one post, “Last night was epic … Blessed this man @jellyroll615 let me tag along with him for my first @cma experience … Met so many wonderful people and artists that have inspired me for years”

Thunderstorm Artis Shared Video of His View From the Crowd at Jelly Roll’s Packed Concert

Artis, 29, got to hang out backstage at Nissan Stadium before Jelly Roll’s concert, sharing brief videos in his Instagram Stories, including one in which the superstar passed by him as he took the stage.

The morning after the show, on June 7, Artis posted a video he took during the show of Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake — who performed several times on season 23 — singing their song, “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” Artis could be heard singing along as he zoomed in on the singers, and then on an illuminated cross above the stage.

Artis wrote, “About last night 🤯🤯 what an experience watching @brandonlake & @jellyroll615 praise the lord at the @nissanstadium@cma … What God is doing through these two men is truly amazing”

While Artis was thrilled to hang with Jelly Roll and meet other icons at the concert, Jelly Roll was photographed laughing with country legend Faith Hill backstage, as she made a rare appearance at CMA Fest.

Thunderstorm Artis Says He ‘Never Would Have Believed’ His Path Would Lead Him to Hanging Out With Jelly Roll

Spending time with Jelly Roll inspired Artis to post a video of himself singing his own rendition of the entertainer’s hit song, “Liar,” on June 7.

He also posted a sweet video of himself that morning as he fed breakfast to his infant son, Zion, and reflected on the previous night.

“Last night was crazy, bro,” he told his fans as he stirred up Zion’s food. “It was so much fun getting to hang out with Jelly Roll and Brandon Lake. Like, if you told me that my life was gonna be what yesterday was, I would’ve never believed you. It’s crazy. Can’t wait to see what God’s gonna do with the future.”

“But this morning, man, this is what it’s all about,” Artis continued, “sitting here with the little man, feeding him some of his food, his breakfast. Mama have a little break. This is what it’s all about, man. Can’t wait for the second day of the CMAs today.”

As one of season 23’s finalists, Artis released his new single “I Just Want You To Know” with 19 Recordings, the record label partner of “American Idol,” on May 18. He has several summer concert dates booked and a fall tour that will take him across the U.S