Luke Bryan has left fans reeling after pulling out of several shows just hours before he was due to take the stage, citing “continued illness” as the reason. His sudden exit has thrown tour plans into chaos—but the drama didn’t stop there. A country icon is stepping up to fill his boots, sending shockwaves through the music world. Who is it? And will they live up to the hype?

Who has replaced the star on tour after he lost his voice?

The former American Idol judge has been forced to rest due to a mystery condition.

Luke Bryan performing at a concert.
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Luke Bryan has pulled out of scheduled gigs this coming weekendCredit: Getty

Luke Bryan at the American Idol finale.
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He is one of the world’s best-selling country music stars as he sold over 75million recordsCredit: Getty

American Idol judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan at the judges' table.
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The star sits alongside Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood on the American Idol panelCredit: Disney
Luke Bryan, 48, is one of the world’s best-selling country music artists, having sold over 75million records.

The star was meant to be playing gigs at the Country Stampede in Kansas, the NebraskaLand Days festival and Country Jam in Colorado this weekend.

However, the artist has announced that he has had to pull out of the scheduled shows.

He also revealed that he will be replaced by Eric Church who has ‘stepped in last minute’.

On his Instagram story, he wrote: “I’m really sorry to say I won’t be able to play this weekend’s shows due to continued illness.

“I’ve been hoping to rally, but my voice is just not there yet.”

He continued: “Huge thanks to my buddy @ericchurchmusic for stepping in last minute.

“And of course, putting on a kick ass show like he always does.”

Adding: “Sitting still is not what I do best so I can’t wait to be back soon. Love yall, Luke.”

As of time of writing, tickets are still advertised on his website for shows in July as he heads to Canada, Ohio and Pennsylvania.

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Luke Bryan jumps to Carrie Underwood’s defense behind the scenes on American Idol set as crew says she’s ‘ruining’ show
After that, he will head to states such as South Carolina, Alabama, Wyoming, Missouri and North Dakota as part of his nationwide Farm Tour.

This is away from his role as part of the panel on American Idol, a role he has held since 2018.

The global sensation sits alongside the likes of Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood on the Ryan Seacrest fronted talent show.

We previously reported that he jumped to his co-stars defence behind the scenes as Carrie ‘struggled’ to adapting to being a judge.

A insider told The U.S. Sun that the show’s crew felt like she is “ruining” its legacy after some moves she made this season have caused controversy with the fans.

The source claimed: “Luke is her biggest fan and always has her back if he hears something said about her or she’s not getting something.