American Idol’s Luke Bryan is suddenly HANDCUFFED by cop on show set in bizarre moment caught on camera

The latest season has been generating buzz on social media for good and bad reasons

AMERICAN Idol judge Luke Bryan has been seen getting handcuffed by a police officer in a teaser for an upcoming episode of the show.

The clip, released on the singing competition series’ official Instagram page, shows some yet-to-be-seen talent, some singer’s hitting flat notes, and some shocking moments ahead.

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American Idol judge Luke Bryan was seen getting handcuffed in a trailer for a new episode of the showCredit: ABC

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A contestant dressed as a police officer arrives on set and puts Luke and co-judge Carrie Underwood in cuffsCredit: ABC
In the video, a female police officer approaches the judges table, putting Luke, 49, and co-host Carrie Underwood in cuffs.

The stunt appears to be part of her audition for the show, though the law enforcement official is not shown singing in the teaser.

Voiceover does, however, announce: “You have the right to remain entertained.”

Viewers will just have to tune in to see both the officer’s singing chops, and Luke and Carrie’s release from the cuffs.

Elsewhere in the trailer, the Before He Cheats singer is shown being brought to tears by one performance, while Luke and their co-star Lionel Richie praise other talents.

The final round of American Idol auditions will air on ABC on Monday at 8 p.m. ET.

The episode will be available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu Tuesday.

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Luke appeared to be a good sport about his fake arrest on the showCredit: ABC

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Luke and Carrie were not shown reacting to the law enforcement officer’s auditionCredit: ABC

Loving Luke

Fans have been gushing over the Buy Dirt singer’s hosting abilities this season.

In January, some claimed he was the “only good judge” on the show, and called for Carrie, 42, to be removed.

After the premiere of the competition series’ latest season, fans began calling for yet another casting shakeup.

The complaints came amid several format changes to the show, made mainly to accommodate Carie, The U.S. Sun exclusively revealed.

Luke has been popular with fans who enjoy his silly antics and banter with contestants and gusts, including fellow country singer Brad Paisley.

Many also appreciate that he is honest and constructive in his feedback for contestants.

Season 24 marks Luke’s ninth year as a judge on American Idol while Lionel, 76, has been on the panel for the same amount of time.

All of American Idol’s Judges

The original trio of judges – Simon, Paula, and Randy, pioneered reality television and shattered ratings records during their run on the singing competition. Here are all of the A-listers who have followed in their footsteps:

Paula Abdul
Seasons 1 – 8 (2002 – 2009)

Simon Cowell
Seasons 1 – 9 (2002 – 2010)

Randy Jackson
Seasons 1 – 12 (2002 – 2013)

Kara DioGuardi
Seasons 8 – 9 (2009 – 2010)

Ellen DeGeneres
Season 9 (2010)

Steven Tyler
Seasons 10 – 11 (2011 – 2012)

Jennifer Lopez
Seasons 10 – 11 (2011 – 2012) & Seasons 13 – 15 (2014 – 2016)

Mariah Carey
Season 12 (2013)

Nicki Minaj
Season 12 (2013)

Keith Urban
Seasons 12 – 15 (2013 – 2016)

Harry Connick Jr.
Seasons 13 – 15 (2014 – 2016)

Katy Perry

Seasons 16 – 22 (2018 – 2024)

Luke Bryan

Seasons 16 – Present (2018 – )

Lionel Richie

Judge: Seasons 16 – Present (2018 – )

Carrie Underwood

Season 23 – Present (2025 – )

Carrie is newer, appearing for only two years.

She won American Idol in 2005, which gave her a start in the music industry.

Fans have accused Carrie of not being harsh enough with some auditioners.

Viewers noted that in the premiere, she said yes to just about everyone who tried out.

Meanwhile, others accused her of turning away singers worthy of a golden ticket into the competition.

This has led American Idol fans to question her qualifications as a judge.

“Idk how I feel about Carrie Underwood being the Idol returned judge… I get it, but why Carrie? #AmericanIdol,” one X user posted.

“Petition to replace Carrie with Brad this is so funny,” pleaded a second.

“What is wrong with Underwood #AmericanIdol,” wrote a third.

“Luke only good judge tonight #AmericanIdol,” a fourth viewer posted online.

“IDK what Carrie is thinking,” said a fifth.

“IKR?! What’s Carrie on?” questioned a sixth viewer.

A production source previously revealed that Carrie nearly walked away from American Idol after “struggling” during her first season as a judge.

They also noted that production had to make a number of structural changes to better support Carrie, including getting rid of Hollywood Week to lessen the amount of time the cast has to spend in Los Angeles.

The show also made special accommodations so that the country singer could bring her family along to film in Hawaii, which will be a longer visit than in previous years.

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The U.S. Sun exclusively revealed that producers are doing “everything possible” to keep Carrie happy and avoid her quitting American Idol.

Luke has been supportive of his co-star, coming to her defense when necessary.

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American Idol is hosted by Lionel Richie, Carrie, and LukeCredit: Getty

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Luke is frequently hailed as the favorite judge on the American Idol panelCredit: Getty

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American Idol has made changes to the show’s format to accommodate CarrieCredit: Getty