Where Is Luke Bryan On ‘American Idol’s April 12 Episode?

AMERICAN IDOL - ABC's "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest with judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan, and in-house mentor Bobby Bones. (ABC/Eric McCandless) — Image Credit: ABC

Luke Bryan tested positive for the coronavirus and will not appear tonight’s episode of American Idol. The show is going live for the first time this season on April 12, but Luke will not be in attendance. Instead, Lionel Richie and Katy Perry will be joined by former Idol judge, Paula Abdul, who will be appearing on the show for the first time since its move to ABC in 2018.

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 (@LukeBryanOnline) April 12, 2021

“I’m sad to say I won’t be a part of tonight’s first live American Idol show,” Luke tweeted. “I tested positive for COVID but I’m doing well and look forward to being back at it soon.” The official American Idol account also shared the news, writing, “Luke will be missed at our first American Idol LIVE show tonight, but he is resting now in quarantine at home and we’re wishing him a speedy recovery. We’re so excited to announce Paula Abdul will be stepping in as a guest judge to join Lionel Richie and Katy Perry as we get closer to crowning a new winner!”

On April 11, the top 16 contestants, as voted by viewers, were revealed. They then all had a chance to perform for America’s votes once again. On April 12, the top 10 artists from America’s votes will automatically move on, while the remaining six contestants will perform again for the judges, who will choose the final two singers that will round out the top 12.

“Production is following strict, rigorous COVID guidelines and we are all being tested often in accordance with those guidelines,” ABC confirmed. “Shooting a show during a pandemic constantly presents new challenges, but we are blessed to have the best crew in the business.”

paula abdul — Paula Abdul will be filling in for Luke Bryan on “American Idol.” (Shutterstock)

Luke, Lionel and Katy have been the American Idol judges since the show first premiered on ABC in 2018. Before that, the series ran on FOX for 15 seasons, with stars like Paula, Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj, Steven Tyler and more amongst the judges over the years. The next episode of American Idol airs on April 12 at 8:00 p.m. on ABC.