Luke Bryan On Collaborations With Non-Country Artists
Should country music embrace artists from other formats? Luke Bryan, who is co-hosting the CMA Awards tomorrow night and who sits next to Katy Perry and Lionel Richie in his…
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – AUGUST 12: Luke Bryan performs at Bridgestone Arena on August 12, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee.
(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images)Should country music embrace artists from other formats? Luke Bryan, who is co-hosting the CMA Awards tomorrow night and who sits next to Katy Perry and Lionel Richie in his gig as an American Idol judge, discussed that point at a CMA Awards press conference today.
"I think music as a whole is integrating even more," he said. "For years, country was a little satellite or an island." But he noted that these days, country music artists are among the most popular artists in any genre. "Morgan [Wallen] and Luke Combs are outpacing all other forms of music."
"So when you have artists from all genres wanting to come in and do collabs... I could do a podcast on my thoughts on collabs. I think music fans love seeing them. Those collabs, they bring cultures together. I think it's all great for music, and I think it validates country's spot in music. I think collabs are fun, and the song has to work."
He also noted that country's exposure in pop culture only helps. Paula Abdul, who was one of the original judges for American Idol, will be presenting at the CMAs tomorrow night. "Paula Abdul, she sat in the chair at American Idol watching country singers for years, so she obviously understands the importance of country music too." Of course, Carrie Underwood was an American Idol winner during Abdul's time on the show.
Most of Bryan's collaborations have been with other country artists, although he did perform with R&B singer Jason DeRulo on CMT Crossroads. Bryan has ventured into the worlds of pop and R&B when he paid tribute to Lionel Richie at the Grammy Awards, and at the Kennedy Center Honors.
Watch Country Music’s Biggest Night hosted by Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning on Wednesday, November 8 at 8/7c on ABC.
17 Songs That Made Luke Bryan A Superstar
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.
17 Songs That Made Luke Bryan A Superstar
