News | Entertainment
3 Jul 2025 6:46
NZCity News
NZCity CalculatorReturn to NZCity

  • Start Page
  • Personalise
  • Sport
  • Weather
  • Finance
  • Shopping
  • Jobs
  • Horoscopes
  • Lotto Results
  • Photo Gallery
  • Site Gallery
  • TVNow
  • Dating
  • SearchNZ
  • NZSearch
  • Crime.co.nz
  • RugbyLeague
  • Make Home
  • About NZCity
  • Contact NZCity
  • Your Privacy
  • Advertising
  • Login
  • Join for Free

  •   Home > News > Entertainment

    Luke Bryan has tested positive for coronavirus

    The 'American Idol' judge is set to miss the first live show of the season after receiving a positive test for the virus


    Taking to Twitter, he wrote: "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. (sic)"

    And now Paula Abdul will be stepping in to take his place alongside regular judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.

    A post on the show's official Instagram account 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 Paula will be stepping in as a guest judge to join Lionel Richie and Katy Perry as we get closer to crowning a new winner! (sic)"

    Meanwhile, Luke previously admitted it is "very, very tough" not being able to hug 'American Idol' contestants.

    He said: "The interesting thing is just trying to navigate all of the new rules of COVID-19. One tricky thing is a lot of times during the audition process, contestants will get very, very emotional and it will be an emotional situation for them. The fact that me and Lionel and Katy can't walk out there and do the human element — hug and show support and love, is very, very tough. I think that's one thing you'll see as a viewer of me and Lionel and Katy.

    "When someone is hurting and they're emotional, you want to console them and hug them and love on them to help them through. The fact that sometimes we can't go put our arms around them is pretty heartbreaking."

    © 2025 Bang Showbiz, NZCity

     Other Entertainment News
     03 Jul: Jessie J is still awaiting the results of her recent surgery
     03 Jul: Sean 'Diddy' Combs' attorney claims that allegations against the rapper have been "badly exaggerated"
     02 Jul: Sir Rod Stewart came close to cancelling his Glastonbury performance
     02 Jul: Teddy Swims has become a dad
     02 Jul: Charlize Theron is on the celebrity dating app Raya - but it hasn't helped her to find love
     02 Jul: The Comeback has been renewed for a third season
     02 Jul: Jeremy Allen White has felt the "pressure" of playing Bruce Springsteen in Deliver Me From Nowhere
     Top Stories

    RUGBY RUGBY
    The Maori All Blacks are making some strategic adjustments as they prepare to host Scotland in Whangarei on Saturday More...


    BUSINESS BUSINESS
    Prices for top-end butter are through the roof, with little recourse for shoppers More...



     Today's News

    Entertainment:
    Jessie J is still awaiting the results of her recent surgery 6:36

    Entertainment:
    Sean 'Diddy' Combs' attorney claims that allegations against the rapper have been "badly exaggerated" 6:06

    Law and Order:
    Investigations - into the discovery of a newborn baby's body in a wheelie bin in central Auckland - continue 5:57

    Environment:
    Parts of the country are waking up to the second bout of heavy rain in a week 5:37

    Law and Order:
    Police have charged 12 more people - over a large dangerous boy racer meet in Levin, over King's Birthday weekend 21:57

    Entertainment:
    Sir Rod Stewart came close to cancelling his Glastonbury performance 21:36

    Rugby:
    The Maori All Blacks are making some strategic adjustments as they prepare to host Scotland in Whangarei on Saturday 21:17

    International:
    Dalai Lama confirms his tradition will continue, ending doubts he could be the last 21:07

    Entertainment:
    Teddy Swims has become a dad 21:06

    Entertainment:
    Charlize Theron is on the celebrity dating app Raya - but it hasn't helped her to find love 20:36


     News Search






    Power Search


    © 2025 New Zealand City Ltd