'American Idol': Luke Bryan will miss first live show due to Covid-19 diagnosis, here's when he will return

Paula Abdul has stepped up to fill in for Luke Bryan till he recovers
Luke Bryan has contracted Covid-19 and won't be seen on 'American Idol' for a while (ABC)
Luke Bryan has contracted Covid-19 and won't be seen on 'American Idol' for a while (ABC)

Luke Bryan has tested positive for Covid-19 and the 'American Idol' judge will be missing the first-ever live show of Season 19 on Monday, April 12, 2021 night. He updated his fans and followers about the diagnosis on Instagram and Twitter ahead of the taping. "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," a tweet from the country star read. 

Luke is one of the judges on 'Idol' alongside Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. Luke's unmissable on the verge of crying face will thoroughly be missed by the other judges and the fans alike. However, the show must go on and ABC Network has already appointed former 'Idol' judge Paula Abdul to temporarily fill in for Bryan. 

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"We’ll miss you tonight @LukeBryanOnline. Thank you for trusting me with your judge’s seat!  
Tune in at 8|7c on @abcnetwork for my Idol return #AmericanIdol #PaulasBack," Abdul wrote in a tweet while in another she mentioned she's "beyond excited to make my return to the judges' desk" on 'Idol'. 



 



 

When will Luke Bryan return to judge 'American Idol'?

Monday night (April 11) marks the beginning of the live rounds. The episode airing next Sunday, April 18th which is themed around the Academy Awards (Oscars) will also be shot live and will see the Top 12 performers perform. But the episode airing on April 19th tentatively titled 'Second Chance Performances' is a pre-recorded one and will see the return of a couple of 'American Idol' Season 18 contestants including runner-up Arthur Gunn. Bryan was most probably present for the taping of this episode and it will mark his return to the judges' panel when it goes on air. 



 

How to watch 'American Idol's Top 12 Live Reveal episode without cable?

If you do not have cable TV, you can watch 'American Idol' episodes on FuboTV with their 7-day free trial. You can also live stream with Sling TV.' Episodes are also available on ABC.com after the television premiere.

'American Idol' airs Sunday and Monday at 8 pm ET on ABC. 

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