Monday’s (April 12) American Idol episode definitely shook things up on the reality competition series.
***Spoiler Alert: the article below contains spoilers for American Idol’s first live show***
Mere hours before the episode aired, Luke Bryan went on social media to announce that he will not be on Monday’s episode, which also happens to the AI’s first live show this season.
“I’m sad to say I won’t be a part of tonight’s first live @americanidol show,” Luke wrote on his Instagram Stories. “I tested positive for COVID.”
“But I’m doing well and look forward being back at it soon,” he assured fans.
Shortly after, AI announced on social media that one of the show’s OG judges will be returning as a guest judge in Luke’s place for the episode – Paula Abdul!
“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,” the show wrote on Instagram. “We’re so excited to announce @paulaabdul will be stepping in as a guest judge to join Lionel Richie and Katy Perry as we get closer to crowning a new winner!”
Paula, who was one of Idol’s judges from the get-go until season 8, definitely had fans in their feelings with her return – and ramped up the nostalgia even more when she, host Ryan Seacrest, and Randy Jackson, who joined them via FaceTime, had a mini-reunion on last night’s episode.
Twitter was filled with fans who could not stop talking about her Paula-isms and that moment when she called Simon Cowell an STD (according to her, it’s short for “super talented, debonair) and a “grandfather.”
“Only Paula Abdul can work in “We’re missing the STD” on a family show on ABC #AmericanIdol I miss Paula, Randy and Simon,” one fan wrote.
“WHAT DID YOUR MOTHERS BREAST-FEED YOU?!” is exactly the kind of @PaulaAbdul feedback I needed on #AmericanIdol tonight,” another tweeted.
“Paula Abdul just called Simon Cowell an STD on live television and my serotonin reached 2005 levels for a very short period of time,” one person shared.
“It has been great seeing @PaulaAbdul back on @AmericanIdol tonight:) I liked the sensitivity with some of the comments & she looks fabulous!” a Twitter user expressed.
“Lol @PaulaAbdul calling @SimonCowell a std🤦♀️🤦♀️ crazyyy lady you’re on live TV. @AmericanIdol wasn’t ready for that 🤣 #AmericanIdol,” yet another fan tweeted.
“i live for paula abdul calling simon cowell a STD on live television on a family show!!! thanks paula #paulasback #AmericanIdol,” another wrote.
In an interview after the show, Idol judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie shared their appreciation of Paula joining them on the show.
“Paula did a great job! She did a great job,” Lionel told Entertainment Tonight of Paula’s time as guest judge.
They also shared an update about Luke – and how he was still in judge-mode while quarantining at home.
“He was texting us. He was blowing up our phones during the whole episode. Some of it we can’t even say…” Katy joked, with Lionel adding, “We can’t say half of it!”
“But he agreed with everything,” Katy shared. “He was just giving critiques at home. I guess, alone in his room.”
She also put concerned fans’ minds at ease, assuring them, “He’s totally good. I think he’s gonna be alright. I think we’ll be seeing him next week.”
And just when you though there couldn’t be any more surprises, they dropped a couple more plot twists.
Prior to the Top 12 reveal, Ryan Seacrest announced that Wyatt Pike, a contestant on the show who was one of the Top 16 finalists, has dropped out.
“Before we get to the results, I have to tell you that finalist Wyatt Pike will not be competing in the competition. He had to drop out, but we wish him the very best,” Ryan said. No other details were revealed during the show.
With next Sunday’s (April 18) episode narrowing down the finalists to the Top 9, Ryan revealed that something big is going to happen in next Monday’s (April 19) episode.
“On Monday, it’s the biggest shake-up in Idol history,” Ryan said. “Since they didn’t get their moment last year, we’re inviting 10 finalists back from last season to finally perform on the big stage. You get to vote one of them into this season’s competition.”
Looks like the competition is heating up big time!
