Paula Abdul Fills In As Guest Judge On American Idol While Luke Bryan Recovers

If you are an American Idol fan, we come bearing both good news and bad news. Unfortunately, Country star Luke Bryan will miss the live shows that started Monday as he has been tested positive for COVID-19 and is quarantined until his recovery. But for some good news, Paula Abdul is taking his place while he recuperates.

Bryan tweeted, “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.”

While Paula Abdul has been back on the show before, this will be the first time she will don the hat of a judge after she left the show back in 2009. She was one of the first judges on the panel when the show was launched in 2002 and remained a favorite because she was always so nice.

The show released a statement on Instagram, which read, “Luke will be missed at our first #AmericanIdol 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 @paulaabdul will be stepping in as a guest judge to join Lionel Richie and Katy Perry as we get closer to crowning a new winner!”

It will be great to see Paula with Katy Perry and Lionel Richie on the show. Last Sunday marked the end of the journey for eight performers, leaving us with the top 16. After the votes, we will get our top 10 while the remaining six will perform in front of the judges, fighting for the remaining two spots.

The singers who have made it to the top 16 include Alanis Sophia, Ava August, Beane, Caleb Kennedy, Casey Bishop, Cassandra Coleman, Chayce Beckham, Colin Jamieson, Deshawn Goncalves, Grace Kinstler, Graham DeFranco, Hunter Metts, Madison Watkins, Willie Spence, Alyssa Wray and Wyatt Pike.

ABC also released a statement saying that despite the challenges brought by the pandemic, the team, including the host and contestants get tested for the virus frequently and are adhering to all the COVID-19 rules and regulations.