LUKE Bryan, who has been a judge on American Idol since 2018, is going to be temporarily absent from the show.
He will be replaced by Paula Abdul, one of the original Idol judges.
Country music star Luke Bryan will be sidelined from American Idol‘s first live episode of the season after he tested positive for Covid-19.
Paula Abdul was announced as Bryan’s replacement for the April 12 show as Idol tries to get through its 19th season during the ongoing global pandemic.
“I’m sad to say I won’t be a part of tonight’s first live @AmericanIdol show,” Bryan tweeted.
“I tested positive for Covid but I’m doing well and look forward to being back at it soon.”
A post on the Idol Twitter account said that Bryan was resting at home, adding, “we’re wishing him a speedy recovery.”
ABC’s American Idol, in the process of trimming its field of 16 down to the top 12, is following “strict, rigorous, Covid guidelines” on the production, with frequent testing.
Abdul will join judges Lionel Richie and Katy Perry to help find the next winner of the singing competition show.
Following news of Bryan’s diagnosis, Abdul also confirmed that she will be filling in.
“We’ll miss you tonight @LukeBryanOnline,” Abdul wrote on Twitter.
“Thank you for trusting me with your judge’s seat!”
In addition to airing live, Monday’s episode will also include a live audience.
The audience members will wear masks, while they will also be tested and seated in pods that are organized by members of immediate households.
Abdul was included on the original panel of judges when American Idol launched in 2002.
She served as a judge alongside Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.
The original judges remained on the show until Abdul left before the ninth season, while Cowell exited the singing completion the following year.
Jackson continued to be a judge on American Idol until Season 12.
Abdul, known for her singing, dancing and songwriting skills, has been a pop icon since the 1980s after crafting such hits as Straight Up, Cold Hearted, Forever Your Girl, and The Way That You Love Me.
American Idol, which has been hosted by Ryan Seacrest every season, was canceled on Fox in 2016.
The show returned on ABC in 2018.
