The 2021 season of American Idol aired its first live show on Monday night (April 12). Unfortunately, judge Luke Bryan was unable to attend.
Earlier on Monday, Bryan took to social media to announce he had tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, he said he wouldn’t be at Idol‘s show that evening.
“I’m sad to say I won’t be a part of tonight’s first live @AmericanIdol show. I tested positive for COVID but I’m doing well and look forward to being back at it soon,” Bryan wrote.
I’m sad to say I won’t be a part of tonight’s first live @AmericanIdol show. I tested positive for COVID but I’m doing well and look forward to being back at it soon.
— Luke Bryan (@lukebryan) April 12, 2021
Because Bryan had to step down with such limited notice, the show didn’t have much time to find a replacement for him. Luckily, they were able to get in touch with one of Idol‘s original judges…Paula Abdul.
Idol announced Abdul would be filling in for Bryan as a guest judge. Everyone on the show seemed excited to welcome her back!
📸 #PaulasBack! #AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/gmioHmh6sO
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) April 13, 2021
Even though Bryan wasn’t able to watch Idol in person like normal, he wanted all of the contestants to know he was cheering them on from home.
“Good luck to the #Top16 as tonight it becomes the #Top12,” Bryan tweeted. “I sure am going to miss being there in person.”
Good luck to the #Top16 as tonight it becomes the #Top12. I sure am going to miss being there in person. Tune in tonight at 8/7c to find out who makes it to the next round. #AmericanIdol
— Luke Bryan (@lukebryan) April 12, 2021
Everyone on Idol was missing Bryan just as much. The show tweeted a kind message to its judge, and encouraged its fans to send him some love.
“We miss you too @LukeBryanOnline! Feel better!” the message read.
We miss you too @LukeBryanOnline! Feel better!
Let's tweet him some 💙💙💙💙💙
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) April 13, 2021
The news of Bryan’s positive COVID test comes after judge Lionel Richie had to step away from the show for a while earlier in the season when everything was still pre-taped. Richie was potentially exposed to the virus, and had to enter quarantine.
Since he wasn’t able to attend the show in person, Richie offered his comments virtually.
Only time will tell if the show will help Bryan put together a similar virtual setup for the next episode of Idol, or if they’ll continue to have a guest judge like Abdul take his place while he is absent.
In the meantime, we’ll be praying for Bryan’s quick and complete recovery. We look forward to seeing him back on Idol when he is feeling well again!