Hollywood Week is where dreams are made (or broken), and in American Idol Season 23, the Showstopper round is pushing contestants to their limits. With high-pressure performances that will decide their fate, the competition is fiercer than ever.
And this time, they have a little extra help: Jelly Roll steps in as Idol's first-ever artist-in-residence, offering invaluable mentorship to the hopefuls aiming for superstardom.
MKY Brings His A-Game in an Exclusive Sneak Peek
One standout contestant bringing heart and heritage to the stage is MKY, the Chicano singer-songwriter from East Los Angeles. In an exclusive clip provided by ABC Entertainment to !HOLA! MKY opens up about the deep-rooted inspiration behind his journey. "I'm always reminded by my uncle Ray's story, my grandfather's story.
MKY's family is at the core of his artistry.
"My grandma told me: 'El tiempo de Dios es siempre perfecto.' God's timing is the perfect time. And I feel like this is my time."
"They mean everything to me. They're my backbone. They've sacrificed a lot to support me in my dreams. This is an opportunity to give back to them," he said. With a voice that bridges generations, blending Latin soul, R&B, and pop, the Mexican American singer is proving to be a serious contender this season.
From Boy Band to Solo Stardom
If MKY looks familiar, it's because he first gained national attention at just 16 years old on ABC's Boy Band before joining the pop group 4th Ave, touring across the U.S. and Europe. Now, stepping into the solo spotlight, he's bringing his sound and story to American Idol—and it's resonating.
His audition performance? A smooth, heartfelt rendition of "Ooo Baby Baby" by Smokey Robinson. The judges were hooked, with Lionel Richie even getting up to dance, reminiscing about his own early days in music. "You know where that put me? That put me in high school. Yes, sir, high school," Lionel exclaimed. Thanks to his undeniable stage presence and velvety vocals, MKY secured his spot in the next round, continuing to win over America.
Jelly Roll Joins American Idol as an Artist-in-Residence
One of the biggest additions to this season is country breakout star Jelly Roll, who is taking on a unique role as Idol's first-ever artist-in-residence. Known for his raw, emotional storytelling and chart-topping hits, Jelly Roll is mentoring contestants during Hollywood Week, helping them refine their artistry and stage presence.
His impact is already showing as contestants push themselves to deliver their best performances yet.
What's Next for MKY?
MKY isn't just making waves on American Idol; his career is taking off beyond the competition. His original single "Save Me," produced by Grammy-winning team The Avila Brothers, showcases his soulful, genre-blending sound. He's also collaborated with rapper Baby Bash and is working with industry heavyweight Bobby Dee to shape his next musical chapter.
With his talent, charisma, and deep connection to his cultural roots, MKY is proving that he's an artist with a vision. Whether he takes the American Idol crown or not, this is just the beginning.
Catch American Idol every Sunday at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Missed an episode? Stream it the next day on Hulu and follow the journey as these rising stars fight for their shot at stardom.