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Luke Bryan is opening up about the challenges of shooting American Idol during the pandemic. According to the country singer, one of the most difficult parts about adjusting to their new normal is not being able to hug contestants.
Speaking to People, Bryan explained that he found it “very, very tough” to be be unable to comfort contestants during the show’s more emotional moments.
During the exclusive interview, the "Play It Again" singer explained that he even found the restrictions "pretty heartbreaking" at times.
"The interesting thing is just trying to navigate all of the new rules of COVID-19," Bryan explained. "One tricky thing is a lot of times during the audition process, contestants will get very, very emotional and it will be an emotional situation for them. The fact that me and Lionel and Katy can't walk out there and do the human element — hug and show support and love, is very, very tough."
Bryan continued, "I think that's one thing you'll see as a viewer of me and Lionel and Katy. When someone is hurting and they're emotional, you want to console them and hug them and love on them to help them through."
"The fact that sometimes we can't go put our arms around them is pretty heartbreaking," he added.
However, he said, that the heart of the show was still the same.
"At the core of it, it's all about those wonderful singers and talented singers walking in the door and really blowing our minds as judges," Bryan said. "I think through all of the COVID restrictions and rules, we've been able to really, really put an amazing show together, and very excited to see some of the talent that we've been able to find."
