Jelly Roll praises look-alike 'boy from Louisiana' Bear Bailey for 'Star Search' success

When Bear Bailey sang Jelly Roll’s “Hard Fought Hallelujah” on “Star Search” in front of the singer, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

“What a voice!” Jelly Roll told our entertainment reporter Courtney Tezeno on the “Star Search” red carpet.

Jelly Roll and his fellow judges, Sarah Michelle Gellar and Chrissy Teigen, were deeply moved by the performance, wiping tears from their eyes as they gave feedback and high scores that, combined with audience votes, put Bailey through to the next round.

Bailey revealed he chose the song before he even knew Jelly Roll was going to be a judge on the show.

“They told me during my interview process almost two weeks ago. So, America I didn’t know. I had no clue,” Bailey said.

The 37-year-old credits his faith with his success, saying, God’s the great puzzle piecer putter together-er, whatever you want to call it, He put all of them together so it fell in His way, it just worked out.”

There really is a synchronicity between Bailey and Jelly Roll, who both bear face tattoos, come from the South, and have overcome addiction to reach musical success.

Reacting to Jelly Roll’s emotional feedback during the show, Bailey said, “Well, when I think about hearing that from Jellyfor one I’m a huge fan of Jelly because of what I said earlier about seeing someone like him look like me and still be used by God to be able to do big things.”

He continued, “And for a long time, I felt really pushed aside, I lost deals before because of addiction, so to be able to see someone like him do it and knowing that God is a great believer in redemptive power and He’s a redeemer. I have it tattooed on me. It just meant the world to me.”

Jelly Roll told us on the carpet, “It’s beautiful to see a boy from Louisiana get a moment.”

Having Jelly Roll praise him on the show and the red carpet truly sent Bailey to a higher plane.

“I literally told the other contestants, I literally said, ‘Did I pass away and God’s letting me live my dreams?’ It didn’t feel real and I don’t remember a lot of what I said on stage, but I just know that God’s good. He’s a redeemer. You can look like me, you can have made mistakes in your life and still be you,” he said.

Bailey will be going head-to-head with another musician next week on “Star Search,” but in the meantime, he’s enjoying a taste of the Hollywood life—while still keeping his Southern roots strong.

“It’s definitely a shock, but I love L.A., the people here have been nothing short of amazing and kind,” he said. “You can’t beat the weather, it’s January and you get to swim by the pool and I get to live like a white Rick Ross, so we have a great time. Rick if you see this man I love you! But it’s just great. We’ve just been having a lot of fun, I love Louisiana, I’m representing the boot, the dirty, and I appreciate ya’ll, love you all back home.”

New episodes of “Star Search” air on Netflix every Tuesday and Wednesday night through February 17.

Follow us on Instagram @tnndentertainment for all your pop culture obsessions.