Jelly Roll To Serve As Judge On Netflix’s Live ‘Star Search’ Reboot

Jelly Roll is hitting the stage in a whole new way, this time as a judge on the reboot of Star Search. Netflix has announced that he will join actress Sarah Michelle Gellar and model, author, and TV personality, Chrissy Teigen on the new edition of the hit show.

The original version of the show ran on TV from 1983 to 1995 and helped launch the careers of up and comers who have gone on to become some of entertainment’s biggest names, including Dave Chappelle, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Beyoncé, Britney Spears, Adam Sandler and more.

On January 20, the legendary competition will come to life again on Netflix in a brand-new, high-energy format that will be live and fully interactive, giving viewers the chance to cast votes in real time for the very first time on the streaming service.

Anthony Anderson is set to host the Star Search reboot, with plans to keep the spirit of the original show alive while adding a fresh, real-time twist. Each week, audiences will watch an array of performers, including musicians, dancers, comedians, and kids’ acts, compete live.

“I’m super excited to host this new chapter of Star Search and to introduce such an iconic format to a whole new generation, especially on a global stage like Netflix,” Anderson shared. “The range of talent we’re going to see is going to blow you away, and I can’t wait for audiences to experience all the performances, surprises and sheer excitement that this new era of Star Search will deliver.”

Jelly Roll, Gellar, and Teigen will help determine which performers have what it takes to make it to the next round however, it’s the audience that drives the votes. Every performance, reveal, and elimination will happen instantly as Anderson guides viewers through all the high-stakes, career-changing moments.

“The live voting feature is a total game-changer,” he added. “Knowing that fans from all over the world can cast their votes in real time adds a whole new layer of excitement and participation to the mix. It’s like we’re all part of the show and get to be one of the judges.”

A complete guide on ‘How to Vote for Star Search on Netflix’ will soon be available on Tudum, walking viewers through the entire process of when and how to vote and how the live experience works on different devices.

Meet your new Star Search judges: Jelly Roll, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and Chrissy Teigen!

Star Search, the 5-week LIVE event, begins on January 20! pic.twitter.com/yib9jiIfJ7

— Netflix (@netflix) January 6, 2026

A brand-new promotional video has just been released ahead of the show’s premiere, highlighting each judge’s personality and giving a glimpse of what they’ll bring to the competition.

Sarah Michelle Gellar noted, “I know what it takes to have a career that slays so my intentions as a judge will be constructive but never cruel.”

Jelly Roll added, “Stars shine without permission and I’m searching for the brightest and most audacious stars on that stage.”

Finally, Chrissy Teigen stated, “I may be opinionated and wear my heart on my face but that’s because I know a legend when I see one.”

The Star Search judges will introduce the first round of hopeful contestants of the 5-week LIVE event, starting on January 20. Following the live premiere, the show will air live Tuesdays and Wednesdays on Netflix at 9:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM PT.