Luke Bryan Teams Up with Brad Paisley for Hilarious Earpiece Prank on ‘American Idol’ Contestants
Country music fans got a behind-the-scenes treat when Luke Bryan spilled the beans on a clever prank he pulled during auditions for American Idol Season 24.
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Join NowThe longtime judge enlisted his longtime friend and fellow superstar Brad Paisley to feed him ridiculous lines through a hidden earpiece, turning serious auditions into moments of pure comedy.
Bryan shared the story during a lively appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! alongside co-judges Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie.
Host Jimmy Kimmel kicked things off by teasing Brad Paisley’s guest spot in the season premiere episode. “Brad is a very funny guy,” Kimmel noted, before handing the mic to Bryan to explain the setup.
According to Bryan, the scheme started when he excused himself from the judges’ table, pretending to head to the bathroom for an unusually long time. In reality, he was sneaking in an earpiece so Paisley could whisper instructions from backstage.
“We kind of conspired a little bit,” Bryan admitted with a grin. The plan? Bryan would repeat whatever Paisley told him—no matter how absurd.
The chaos peaked during one contestant’s performance when Paisley prompted Bryan to declare he “didn’t like the state of Michigan.”
The off-the-cuff remark left the room stunned and contestants scrambling to process what just happened. Viewers can catch the full clip in the Season 24 premiere, where the prank unfolds in real time as Bryan delivers Paisley’s lines with perfect deadpan delivery.
The stunt highlights the playful chemistry between Bryan and Paisley, who have crossed paths countless times over the years.
From sharing stages at the Academy of Country Music Awards to collaborating on tributes—like their virtual medley honoring Kenny Rogers during the 2020 “ACM Presents: Our Country” special—the duo has a history of fun antics. They’ve also teamed up for star-studded tracks like the 2013 “Boys ‘Round Here” Celebrity Mix and the 2016 CMA anniversary anthem “Forever Country.”
Beyond the laughs, the prank adds a lighthearted twist to the high-stakes audition process, reminding fans why American Idol remains a mix of raw talent and unexpected entertainment.
With Underwood bringing her fresh perspective as a new judge and Richie providing steady wisdom, Season 24 is shaping up to deliver more memorable moments—pranks included.
As the season rolls on, expect more surprises from the panel. For now, this earpiece escapade proves that even on one of TV’s biggest stages, a little country mischief goes a long way.
