Luke Bryan Makes Big ‘American Idol’ Debut as Judge [Videos]

luke bryan american idol debut

photo: Luke Bryan Facebook

Country music superstar Luke Bryan made his 'American Idol' debut on Sunday night! Watch clips from the show's premiere here.

Country music superstar Luke Bryan made his big American Idol debut on Sunday, March 11th. The first round of auditions were held in New York City, Nashville, Los Angeles and Orlando. As for the auditions highlighted during the first episode, only four hopefuls didn’t advance to Hollywood.

“It’s pretty inspiring stuff knowing I’ll potentially have an opportunity to be a part of someone’s rise to stardom. It’s pretty special,” Bryan shared about his role as a judge alongside Lionel Richie and Katy Perry. “To see talent and see people following their dreams: it’s not about what me and Lionel and Katy are doing, it’s about watching the star be born right there in front of your eyes. I’m excited to feel the emotions that made me fall in love with music.”

Watch Luke help a contestant tune his acoustic guitar and check out some of the best auditions below!

Layla Spring from Kentucky charmed the judges with her 7-year-old sister, Dyxie.

“I say you’re going to Hollywood,” Luke told Layla.

Luke gives some sage advice to judge-favorite Catie Turner. Watch her perform her own original song “21st Century Machine” below!

“You are interesting and brilliant beyond your years,” he told Catie, also telling her not to go on social media and read the comments about her audition. “I don’t want the outside world to mess with your beautiful brain.”

Ron Bultongez’s personal story is just as amazing as his voice!

“I am so excited right now, because just something about you is pretty dadgum inspiring, buddy. Your journey, what this country’s about, your demeanor, your honesty. I’m just very excited. When you go to dig in,” Luke said to Ron, “you’ve got layers and layers to your voice. You’re right there between this rawness not polished at all.”

Zach D’Onofiro brings Frank Sinatra back with his rendition of “The Way You Look Tonight.” He also scores a dance with Katy…

“You have Sinatra down, but remember this: Sinatra waited. You were perfectly on the beat, but Sinatra went (pause),” he told Zach. “Lay it back, and America is going to freak. This show will teach you: do not judge any human being on this planet.”

Dennis Lorenzo also has an inspiring back story and blew away all three judges!

“How long have you had that guitar,” Luke asked Dennis. “We see these kids come in, and their parents have bought them the nicest guitar money can buy. You just took a guitar with a hole in it, with three chords, and you made that thing have all the soul that it needs. Your deal is why I signed up for this. I’m an excited, happy, fired-up yes.”

Moving forward, American Idol airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8PM ET/PT. Share this with other fans of the show!

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