By Jeanni Ritchie
The recent Netflix reboot premiered January 20, 2026 with judges Sarah Michelle Gellar, Chrissy Teigen, and Jelly Roll. Audiences make up the fourth judge’s slot—voting 1-5 stars on their remotes after each performance. Over a two-night premiere, host Anthony Anderson introduced head-to-head competitors in the categories of music, dance, comedy, and variety.
My mother and I loved it.
Voting was live and there were no commercials, so the 90-minute show moved quickly. Bathroom breaks were staggered, and followed by “What did I miss?!”
The talent was amazing—from the junior vocalists to the magicians—and our voting mostly lined up. We were sharing one remote, after all! I am a huge Jelly Roll fan so I loved seeing him enjoy the performances as much as I did.
And one performance left us both in tears: Louisiana native Bear Bailey’s rendition of Jelly’s hit “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” After the Night 2 performance, Jelly Roll shared that while he enjoyed Night 1, he’d prayed for an opportunity to share Jesus this time. He got it. Somehow he managed to praise Bailey’s performance while sharing the hope found in God at the same time. His light burns bright.
As does Bailey’s, who put up the highest score of both nights and went into Week 2 as the reigning Vocalist champion. Each of the winners from Week 1 face new competitors in Week 2, and as long as they win their respective matchups, they continue on until the season finale in late February. Contestants for this global show are from all over the world.
Viewers who can’t tune in live can still watch previous episodes without voting. Mom and I may eventually have to do that, but I hope not. Watching live and voting is part of the magic of the show.
And it’s a great family bonding experience!
Jeanni Ritchie is an arts-loving freelance writer from Central Louisiana. She can be reached at jeanniritchie54@gmail.com.
