BOBBY BONES

The radio and TV personality and winner of season 27 of Dancing With the Stars, 40, returns as mentor for the fourth season of ABC’s American Idol (Feb. 14), which will again be hosted by Ryan Seacrest with judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan.

What can fans look forward to this season? Idol acknowledges the real world, meaning it’s aware that people are getting [known from] TikTok and Instagram. We’re like, “Great, come be exactly who you are, we’re not going to change you—let’s see how far your talent and your voice will take you.”

What makes you a good mentor? My advice comes from being a musician and working in alternative, pop, hip-hop and country music. And from being a comedian, touring and not only interviewing folks, but being interviewed. I’ve never been great at one single thing, but being barely above average at a lot of things has paid off because I’ve been able to learn a lot in different areas.

What’s happening with your new show, Breaking Bobby Bones [March 30 on National Geographic]? I wanted to do a show where I talk to people that have stories a bit like mine, that come from backgrounds that some would consider tough or rough and they defy the odds. Also, they have a hobby or a job that is pretty original, sometimes dangerous, and it’s my job to compete in what they do. And sometimes I fail miserably.

You recently got engaged to your girlfriend, Caitlin Parker. Are you a romantic? I am now, with her. I’ve never told anyone I love them at all until her. I’m like the Grinch. I had a deep, dark heart and no one was able to get to it. And then, like at the end of The Grinch, where his heart grows in size three times, that’s what happened when I met her.

What’s the best advice he’s ever given on Idol? Go to Parade.com/bones to find out.