Luke Bryan unveiled his approach to authenticity while fulfilling his role as a judge on American Idol alongside Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.
During an interview with PEOPLE, the country superstar opened up about an unexpected aspect of his experience on the show – shedding tears on national television.
Reflecting on his emotional moments, Bryan expressed genuine surprise, admitting that he had never envisioned himself being in a position where he would openly cry in front of millions of viewers.
“If you’d have told me I would have cried in front of millions of Americans… I’m not there trying to put on this tough-country-guy act,” Bryan shared with PEOPLE as part of their cover story. “I’m there to get involved in the emotion of the show. And sometimes what you’re trying to say is not going to land perfectly. But for the most part, I know when I sit down behind that desk at American Idol, me and Lionel and Katy are doing our best and coming from a place of love and compassion.”
Furthermore, Bryan emphasized the commitment he shares with Lionel Richie and Katy Perry in approaching their roles with sincerity and empathy as well as always having each other’s backs.
“It’s just the way it is. We’ve been on set for 12 days and something that happens, you don’t even know it’s going to potentially become a deal later on,” Bryan continued. “We just have to show up and be ourselves. Nothing about Katy Perry is premeditated and planned and nothing about me is. We have to have the ability to go off the cuff, express emotions.”
To Return As A Judge On Idol
The interview comes just weeks after it was announced the Bryan will return to American Idol as a judge alongside Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Ryan Seacrest will also return as the host of Idol for Season 22.
“Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie will return as American Idol judges along with host Ryan Seacrest for Season 7. Audition NOW!”
Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie have been serving as judges on Idol since 2018 when the show’s transitioned from its longtime home on FOX to ABC.
American Idol Auditions Are Happening Now
Earlier this month, the network posted a tweet featuring a comprehensive list of dates and cities for upcoming auditions for the show. The latest caption encourages aspiring singers and musicians to “audition now.”
The state-wide American Idol auditions began on August 4 and are set to conclude on September 6 (subject to change). For those unable to attend any of the in-person auditions, producers are urging them to register for a live virtual audition, as part of the “Idol Across America” initiative. This nationwide search aims to discover the next prominent star.
For further information, hopefuls can visit AmericanIdol.com/auditions.
When Will Luke Stop Being A Judge On Idol?
The “But I Got A Beer In My Hand” singer previously opened up about how long he will continue to serve as a judge on Idol during an interview with Taste of Country.
“My future with Idol [will continue] as long as the show is growing and popping, and we feel like we’re doing beautiful work as a show,” Bryan told the outlet. “We felt like this year was what we had all worked together to get to. As long as the vibe feels like we’re moving onward and upward — and we’re getting emotionally moved, we’re telling the stories of kids and the American spirit, and it’s a show that kids [and] parents can cry and laugh together and have fun [watching] — it’s gonna be a tough show for me and Lionel and Katy to walk away from.”
Fans can look for American Idol Season 22 to return in the spring of 2024.
“But I Got A Beer In My Hand”
Luke Bryan recently released “But I Got A Beer In My Hand,” a tune co-written by Chase McGill, Matt Dragstrem and Geoff Warburton, that made its way into the top 15 at Country radio.
Co-produced by Jeff Stevens and Jody Stevens, “But I Got A Beer In My Hand” serves as his current single at Country radio, and is expected to appear on his yet-to-be-announced next studio album.
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The country hitmaker is now preparing to unleash another song from his new album, a tune called “Southern And Slow.”
Luke Bryan’s Country On Tour
Additionally, the five-time Entertainer Of The Year is currently in the midst of his headlining Country On Tour, which kicked off on June 15 in Syracuse, New York. The trek, which runs through October 28, will visit 36 cities across the United States with stops in Philadelphia, Nashville, Charlotte, and more.
Chayce Beckham, Tyler Braden, Ashley Cooke, Jackson Dean, Jon Langston, Conner Smith, Alana Springsteen, and Hailey Whitters join Bryan on the run alongside DJ Rock.
“I’m so excited about this year’s summer tour, the Country On Tour. I’ve got a lot of new up-and-coming artists. Some of ‘em have had a hit, some of ‘em are about to have a hit. They’re gonna be out there with me, and I’m so excited to be around young talent and watch them enjoy the summer tour,” Bryan previously shared of his tour mates.
He later added, “My favorite part about being out there on the Country On Tour is going town to town, and nothing is better than being out on the road in the summer.”
Luke Bryan’s Farm Tour
Later this year, Luke Bryan will take to the road for his 14th annual Farm Tour, which is set to run from September 14 through September 23. The trek will find Bryan visiting five farms, including Mulberry Orchard (Shelbyville, KY), Miller Family Farm (Millersport, OH), Schnell Family Farms (Colfax, IA), Klondike Farms (Brooklyn, WI) and Gar-Lin Dairy LLC (Eyota, MN).
Kameron Marlowe, Chayce Beckham, Peach Pickers and DJ Rock will serve as support on the Georgia native’s Farm Tour.
“One of the reasons we created these Farm Tour shows – to bring the big-city tour to the people,” Bryan explained in a press release. “These nights are one-of-a-kind and we really enjoy getting to know the farmers and their families, love the whole atmosphere of playing on these incredible farms and watching entire communities come together and get excited about these shows.”
Additional information about the Farm Tour can be found HERE.
