Luke Bryan announced he’s tested positive for COVID-19 and Paula Abdul will fill in for him as a judge on “American Idol.”
“I’m sad to say I won’t be a part of tonight’s first live @americanidol show,” the 44-year-old singer wrote on Twitter to his millions of followers. The post was noted by Deadline magazine in a piece published Monday.
“I tested positive for Covid but I’m doing well and look forward to being back at it soon,” he added in his post. (RELATED: Claudia Conway Opens Up About ‘American Idol’ Audition And ‘Iffy’ Relationship With Her Parents)
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
Because Bryan will be unable to be a judge on the Monday night live-episode of the hit ABC reality competition series, the “Cold Hearted” hitmaker Abdul will step in. (RELATED: Katy Perry ‘Collapses’ During ‘American Idol’ Performance)
“I can’t wait to hear the contestants sing to compete in the Top 12 on @AmericanIdol tonight!” the 58-year-old singer tweeted, along with several pictures of her getting ready for the show.
I can’t wait to hear the contestants sing to compete in the Top 12 on @AmericanIdol tonight! What a talented group Who are you rooting for this season? #AmericanIdol #PaulasBack pic.twitter.com/0DcPhC6j7v
— Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul) April 12, 2021
“What a talented group,” she added. “Who are you rooting for this season? #AmericanIdol #PaulasBack.”
The show marks the first time the competition series will return to the studio with a live audience since the pandemic hit. Audience members for the show will be masked, “tested and seated in pods” with their immediate households, the outlet noted.
Bryan’s fellow “American Idol” judge Katy Perry has since shared that the country singer is “totally good.”
“I think he’s gonna be alright,” the 36-year-old told Entertainment Tonight. “I think we’ll be seeing him next week.”