Luke Bryan Felt Like He Was ‘Bragging’ To Katy Perry

Luke Bryan gathered with friends, family, many in the Nashville music industry, and even some childhood friends last (9/12) night in Nashville to celebrate having 30 number-one songs -- to date-- in his career.

Before the celebration, we chatted with Luke, and he told us about when his fellow American Idol judge Katy Perry asked him how many number-one songs he had. He told us, "In the pop world, 10 to 14 number ones...I think Katy's had like 12 or 13, which is probably up there with the most ever. So when Katy asked me how many number-one songs I had, I was really reluctant. It sounded like I was bragging. She was like, 'Well, how many have you had?' and I was like, 'I don't... You know, it's all good.' Then I was like, '29,' because at the time I had 29. She was like, 'What?' And I was like, 'Katy, we seem to have more in country music. And she was like, 'That's great.'"

Bryan continued, "It was funny even being able to say 29 at the time. When you look at how many contestants do good in country music, I think they've (Lionel Richie and Katy) learned that country music has a huge voice; even as of late, when you hear about what Morgan (Wallen) and Luke Combs and certainly the Oliver Anthony thing being on top of all the charts and stuff. I mean, country's in a great place, and I hope that I can help showcase it when I'm on stage and nights like this and certainly on the desk on American Idol."

Luke's big night was filled with music as many of his country music star friends surprised him to perform some of his thirty number-one songs. Lady A's Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood performed his first chart-topper "Do I," Dierks Bentley performed "Play It Again," and his buddy Jason Aldean took the stage to perform Bryan's “Kiss Tomorrow Goodbye.” At one point, when Dierks was performing, he started to have to read the lyrics off of a music sheet, and without missing a beat, Luke jumped on stage to hold the words to his song up so Bentley could sing.

Who has more fun than Luke Bryan? You can hear it on his songs, see it on his social media almost daily and also feel it when you see him perform live.

As Luke celebrates his 45th birthday today (7/17), we take a look at 17 songs that made him a country superstar.