Country star Luke Bryan has said he was initially "reluctant" to join American Idol as a judge, revealing in an interview with Cigar Aficionado that his packed touring and recording schedule made him hesitant to take on another major commitment. Speaking to the outlet, Bryan explained that at the time he was offered the role, he was playing stadium shows and enjoying huge success with his albums, making the prospect of adding a demanding new project feel daunting. He eventually accepted, and his reflections mark nine years since joining the show.

Bryan joined American Idol for its 16th season in 2018, sitting alongside Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, and has remained on the judging panel ever since; Carrie Underwood replaced Perry after season 22 in 2024. The show crowned Hannah Harper as its season 24 winner in May, and Idol is now preparing for a historic 25th season, with virtual "Idol Across America" auditions set to begin on 25 August ahead of a 2027 premiere on ABC. Hosting and judging line-ups for the new season have not yet been confirmed, though Ryan Seacrest has presented since the show's 2002 debut.