(WXYZ) — American Idol kicks off their live shows tonight, but the show will look a little different as judge Luke Bryan has tested positive for COVID-19.
The singer revealed his diagnosis in a tweet:
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
This prompted the show to announce that original show judge Paula Abdul would be stepping in to take Bryan's place:
Luke will be missed at our 1st #AmericanIdol LIVE show tonight, but is resting in quarantine at home & we wish him a speedy recovery. We’re so excited to announce @PaulaAbdul will be stepping in as a guest judge with Lionel Richie & Katy Perry as we get closer to 👑 a new winner! https://t.co/HNUQ92Nf6l
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) April 12, 2021
The show then tweeted out a promo welcoming Abdul.
Welcome @PaulaAbdul back to #AmericanIdol as a guest judge in time for #AmericanIdol’s first LIVE show tonight at 8|7c on ABC! pic.twitter.com/pijSTC1Owy
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) April 12, 2021
Abdul was one of the original judge's on American Idol when it launched in 2002, appearing alongside fellow judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson.
Monday night's show is the first live show of the current American Idol season. Abdul will be joining current judges Katy Perry and Lionel Ritchie for the broadcast.
You can watch American Idol at 8:00 p.m. on WXYZ-TV,
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