Continuing with our coverage of this past weekend's Country Thunder festival in Arizona, Audacy's Gunner & Cheyenne at KMLE got a chance to talk with superstar singer and 2023 American Idol judge Luke Bryan about his hit-filled career and future plans with the competition show.
LISTEN NOW: Country Thunder All Access: Day 2 with Luke Bryan, Ashley Mcbryde, and more
Speaking with the Country Thunder performer about his tenure on American Idol, a judge on the long-running musical competition series since 2018, he says he believes the current season is the show's best ever. "The vibe, from the social streaming aspect to just the talent... I kind of judge it off of fan interactions online. Obviously, when you look at all the social platforms it seems to be getting a big buzz," he says.
Pressed on whether or not he's ever seen fellow Idol judge Katy Perry's viral "eye video," Luke says Katy can actually do that party trick on cue, "like a baby doll," he admits. "People were saying she's in a simulation or something, she's not in a simulation." As far as personal party tricks go, he's unsure he can reveal any of his own. "I'm just really good at drinkin'," he says with a laugh.
With fellow Country star Blake Shelton now in the midst of his final season as a coach on The Voice, the possibility of his own exit from American Idol was also brought up. "Blake's done 'The Voice' many, many years... I think in this business, when you’re touring and doing TV, you’ve got to wake up and be motivated to do it," Luke explains, "and I’m not sure when my timeframe is on anything... I really enjoy being part of ‘American Idol,’ but I do miss a lot of time at home, so there’s always a balance."
"I think Blake probably came to the conclusion that he’s done it all on ‘The Voice.’ That show really kickstarted NBC to have a competition like that... it certainly made Blake a household name too, because he would’ve never been able to do that with his music alone,” he jokes. "It's what Blake and I do! It never stops, because you know, we're feuding," he laughs.
A household name of his own, with close to 30 number 1 singles on the charts over his career, Luke admits he can't even list them all now if he tried. Although, listening back to his earlier work, he feels as though he sings better now than he did in the beginning. "Back then I was still figuring out who I was as a singer and an artist," Luke explains. "So, I feel like I sing better than ever now." Changing lyrics though, doesn't seem to be in the cards. "I don't live with too many regrets with music," Luke says.
Listen to the full Day 2 episode now, including discussions with Ashley McBryde about her accident recovery, tattoos, and new single; plus more with Mackenzie Carpenter, Nate Smith, and Josh Ross. Follow along for more from KMLE talking with the biggest and rising stars out of Nashville. This is where you can find the full in-depth conversations that don't always make in on the air, from all of the KMLE air personalities.
Browse and follow more of our all-new Country stations like Luke Bryan Radio, Audacy New Country, Tailgate Crashers, Jake Owen's Tiki Tonk, Country Edge, and Katie Neal's Leading Ladies for more of the best from the female side of Country music.
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