Luke Bryan ‘Tight-lipped’ On Katy Perry Leaving ‘Idol’

Luke Bryan was tight-lipped on Katy Perry leaving American Idol when we asked him about her announcing she was leaving the show on a late-night talk show earlier this year.

Luke told us yesterday (4/1), "Everybody's typically tight-lipped about that. It's an annual renewal of something, so we're always kind of negotiating the next year and how that looks."

He added of his friend Katy, "I think Katy is probably launching world tours and stuff where she goes around the world. So, she probably had to make a decision several months out to get in front of her plans."

Bryan then asked if he would be returning for another season of the popular talent-seeking show. He said, "I kind of treat American Idol like I do my music career. As long as the show feels like it's reinventing itself and as long as it looks fresh and fun and we are doing positive things, it's going always be something that I'll really consider doing."

"The day that I wake up, and I burn out of anything... That's the beauty of my career; if I am burned out of something, there's really no need for me to continue to do something that I'm burned out on."

Of his days on Idol, he noted, "I enjoy the relationship with Katy; me and Lionel and Ryan... the show has been amazing. I don't know any info on who may be her potential replacement, but it's a fun thing to be a part of."

Luke and Katy are laughing on Idol in 2018.
Photo- Frederick M. Brown

The country superstar concluded, "I kind of roll in and know what the show's doing, and typically, I'm really fired up at Disney and ABC about it, so we'll make that decision; we haven't made it yet."

Perry announced in February (2/11) while appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live that after seven years of American Idol, she is leaving American Idol. Katy told Kimmel, "I think this probably will be my last show, my last season for Idol. I love Idol so much. It's connected me with the heart of America, but I feel like I need to go out and feel that pulse to my own beat."

Perry also told Jimmy that her fellow judges, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie, did not know she was leaving and that they would "find out tonight" on Kimmel.

Country music and the outdoors go hand in hand. Many country superstars enjoy outdoor sports, and have since they were kids. Fishing is a big draw for country stars, and Luke Bryan even sings about it in his 2015 chart-topper "Huntin', Fishin', And Lovin' Every Day."

In the song's catchy chorus, Bryan sings, "Huntin', fishin', and lovin' every day / That's the prayer that a country boy prays / Thank God He made me this way / Huntin', fishin' and lovin' every day / Early in the morning, late in the evening / I'm getting red dirt rich, and Flint River paid / Huntin' and fishin' and lovin' every day."

The popular song starts out in the first verse, "If I could make a livin' walkin' in the woods / You could bet I'd be sittin' pretty good / High on a hill lookin' at a field downwind / If I could make a nickel off a turning 'em bass / Never worry about the price of gas / I'd be wheelin' and dealin' and sittin' there reelin' 'em in."

You don't have to be an expert to enjoy fishing; it's a practice that has existed since the dawn of human civilization.

Fishing lovers and hobbyists love to get together and to learn more about fishing techniques. They also work often during the summer months to improve their ability to reel in fish and have a good time doing it.

According to National Today, fishing teachers can be found teaching newcomers important fishing skills and methods during the summer months.

Country stars like Brad Paisley, Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan are among those who tout fishing and share their love of the water sport whenever they can. Brad used to tell us that early in his career until just a couple years ago when Grand Ole Opry star Little Jimmie Dickens died, he and the Opry legend would go fishing on many a weekend morning. They two, who were generations apart, bonded through fishing.

Let's look at some of country music's most passionate fishermen.

Brad is a huge fisherman, and when Grand Ole Opry legend Little Jimmie Dickens was alive, the two men often fished. Brad even features his sons fishing in promos for his new song "So Many Summers." One of Paisley's first big hits was a song he wrote and performed in 2001 called "I'm Gonna Miss Her," about choosing fishing over a girl. Before Brad signed with his record label, Garth Brooks wanted to record the song, but Brad held it for himself. Good call! Fun Fact: The video for the song is where Paisley met his wife of 20 years now, Kimberley Williams.

Blake is a big outdoorsman and fisherman. He has been working on his three stepsons in the last few years to embrace the outdoors and fishing. Shelton often shares his catches on his social media. In 2021, he posted about a big catch, writing to fans, "I'll bet some of y'all have never heard of a paddlefish. We got them here in my home state! Y'all come to Oklahoma, where the outdoors is always open!"

Luke constantly posts about his outdoor trips with buddies or his wife, Nicole. The couple recently took a trip to Montana, where they spent some fishing time. Last year, Combs posted about a big catch. He wrote on Instagram, "Sorry honey, but I got to click over… I got a 6-pound largemouth on the other line."

Bryan may be the most excited about his fishing life and often posts about himself and his sons Bo and Tate's fishing adventures. Luke is so in tune with the fishing lifestyle that he even fished with celebrity fisherman Bill Dance not long ago. He posted, along with a video of his time with Dance, "I've been waiting my whole life for this moment. 11.6 baby @aquatroyg @jccaney @lews_fishing @kevinvandamfishing @bassproshops."

Thomas is an avid "fly-fisherman" who takes time to fish with his wife and girls whenever possible. He has shared many fishing moments of his life on his social media, including one from a few years ago, where he caught his first "bonefish."