'American Idol' Judges Give Update on Luke Bryan After COVID Diagnosis: 'Giving Critiques at Home'

Work doesn’t stop forLuke Bryan, even amid aCOVID-19diagnosis.The 44-year-old country singer’s fellowAmerican Idoljudges,Katy PerryandLionel Richie(along with guest judgePaula Abdul, who filled in for Bryan), gave an update on his health after Monday’s live show.“He’s totally good,” Perry, 36, toldEntertainment Tonightof her colleague’s symptoms. “I think he’s gonna be all right. I think we’ll be seeing him next week.“In fact, “He was texting us. He was blowing up our phones during the whole episode.

'American Idol' Judges Hilariously Stress Over Which Contestant (or Cocktail!) to Choose

Times are getting tough onAmerican Idol! In an exclusive clip of Sunday’s episode, judgesKaty Perry,Luke Bryan, andLionel Richieseem to be having trouble deciding on which contestant … we mean, cocktail … to choose. “Man, this is one of the most difficult decisions I’ve ever had to make in my entire life,” Perry, 34, says as the camera fades to a head sheet of the remaining contestants. “So many good ones,” says Bryan.

'American Idol' Judges Share Thoughts on Arthur Gunn's Sudden Absence from Star-Studded Finale

Before announcingChayce Beckham as the crowned winnerof season 4, theAmerican Idolfinale was full of star-studded performances — but one familiar face was missing: Arthur Gunn. During Sunday’s grand finale of the ABC singing competition show, longtime hostRyan Seacrestannounced that the season 3 runner-up wouldnotbe joiningSheryl Crowfor a duet as previously announced and scheduled — and judgesLionel Richie,Katy PerryandLuke Bryanhad some thoughts on the situation. “We don’t even know what happened,” Richie, 71, told PEOPLE during a post-show interview.

'American Idol' Mentor Bobby Bones Reveals the Top 20 Performers' Biggest Challenges

Though they’ve made theAmerican IdolTop 20, the remaining contestants are still facing challenges. “Tell me about this group so far,” Seacrest, 44, asks Bones in the clip. “What have you been focused on? What’s been getting your attention?” “It’s such a diverse group of artists and it’s really them playing to their strengths inside their diversity,” says Bones, 38. “What’s been the biggest challenge?” asks Seacrest. “I think you have some great performers that are struggling with their stage presence,” Bones responds.

'American Idol' Rivals Clay Aiken and Ruben Studdard Will Reunite for Christmas Show on Broadway

Once, they divided America. But this holiday season, they unite us all. Fifteen years after going head-to-head in the season 2 finale ofAmerican Idol,champ Ruben Studdard and runner-up Clay Aikenwill share a stage again in a new holiday-themed Broadway show. The pair will co-headlineRuben & Clay’s First Annual Christmas Carole Family Fun Pageant Spectacular Reunion Show,a three-week limited engagement holiday spectacular that promises classic holiday tunes as well as comedic scenes and sketches.