Talent Recap

Luke Bryan’s Career in Jeopardy After Inviting Florida Governor On Stage

Luke Bryan on the 'American Idol' Red CarpetPhoto by Momodu Mansaray/Getty Images

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American Idol judge Luke Bryan receives major backlash as fans vow to boycott his music after inviting Florida’s governor on stage. Heat from fans has prompted the country singer to release an official statement addressing the event.


Luke Bryan Brings Ron DeSantis On Stage During Jacksonville Concert

Twitter recently exploded with tweets slamming Luke Bryan about his on stage special guest. The guest of the night was none other than Florida governor Ron DeSantis. The controversial political figure went onto the stage at the start of Bryan’s concert.

They announced their plans to donate a large portion of the proceeds from Bryan’s upcoming concert to the Florida Disaster Fund. The fund aims to help communities affected by Hurricane Ian which destroyed countless properties and took the lives of at least 89 people in September.

“The state of Florida had to deal with the major hurricane last month and it’s not easy to deal with, it’s hurt a lot of people.” DeSantis said. “Though I can tell you this, show me any other state that can rebuild bridges in three days. I don’t think you can find that.”


The singer’s upcoming concert in Estero, Florida was rescheduled to November 2 because the Hertz Arena is being used as a hurricane shelter.

“So, what we’re going to do is give a large portion of the proceeds in Estero, Florida,” Bryan said. “I’m donating that money to the great state of Florida.”

Fans took to Twitter to share that they do not support the governor. DeSantis is labeled a racist and homophobic individual who signed a policy that LGBTQ advocates call the “Don’t Say Gay” bill.


Bryan Issues a Statement Addressing the Backlash

The large collective tweets from fans couldn’t go unnoticed by the singer anymore and he issued his own statement on Twitter. A lifelong fan of Bryan for example, expressed his disappointment of the singer showing his support for DeSantis in a tweet that received over 40,000 likes.

Fans planned to stop listening to Bryan’s music, and said they’ll no longer watch American Idol as long as he’s a judge. The singer released a statement to explain his side of the story, and what led him to support the governor.

“Governor DeSantis is a very polarizing figure,” Bryan wrote in the statement. “But I grew up in a country where if a governor ask you if they can come and raise awareness to help victims of a natural disaster you help.”

Bryan then explained that he’s someone who stayed out of politics throughout his career and only plans to raise awareness for the recent natural disaster. Unfortunately though, his statement did little to appease the angered fans.

“Sorry but that’s not good enough. You can raise awareness (and money) with your own name. Having DeSantis on stage with you gives the impression that you supported him.” One fan responded to the statement.

Bryan refuses to elaborate further on the topic and chose to ignore the backlash after his statement. It’s clear that he quickly realized that responding further would add fuel to the fire and will not help his current situation.

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Larry W.
Larry W.
2 years ago

I think Luke made more fans than he lost. W⁷e love Luke Bryant

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago

All these liberal wack jobs need to get a life, half of the morons talking crap don’t even listen to his music. This “woke” bullshit needs to go!

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago

I think this is ridiculous! Whether someone believes in DeSantis or not is irrelevant. He wasn’t there trying to get supporters, he was merely there raising awareness for Florida hurricane victims. As a victim myself in hurricane Ian and losing almost everything I will always support Luke and his music as well as our great Governor of our great state! You go Luke, you’ve always got Florida’s support!!!

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago

I personally don’t care who you put up on your stage, thank you for all you are doing helping devastated Florida. People really need to get a life and mind their own business, it is your money and can do what you feel is right to help your fellow Americans, we don’t see the people commenting giving to this cause so STHU.

Flea
Flea
2 years ago

I’d predict Luke will not lose one cent because of the soon to extinct Twitter cult, as a matter of fact, I’d bet on more sell outs and album sells, I’m not a fan of him but I’ll be buying his albums now, and not because I love DeSantis but I love his right to bring whomever the fuck he wants to bring on stage, especially when raising cash for disaster victims.

Greg
Greg
2 years ago

So let me get this right, Luke tries to do the right thing then the bullies come out and misinterpret his good deed because they don’t like a particular politician. Goes to show no good deed goes unpunished.

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago

Love Luke ❤️ Great job helping the victims of the hurricane. You don’t need the people who don’t support your kindness. Keep on trucking and singing your great music 🎶

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago

Lol he will never be cancelled by true country music fans, the only ones 😭 are leftist Democrat Liberals, this is a joke of a headline.

Kat
Kat
2 years ago

People who bitch and complain about not supporting Luke anymore really need to get a life. Today’s day and age of “canceled ” people or events etc has really gotten into an absurdly level. It seems like no one is allowed opinions and you now need to be a collective.
Wake up call…you are allowed to like someone even if you don’t agree with something they’ve said or done. Grow up!

tammy seay
tammy seay
2 years ago

It’s his money to do with as he chooses. You all are just cold hearted ass hats. Who wish you could be as nice as him. Narcissist little baby’s.

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago

I’ve been through major Hurricanes, lost everything from one and had to recoup after another that caused major issues. People are lost these days. If he would have done the same for the people raising hell,, there wouldn’t be an issue. I love Luke’s music, will always support him. I don’t have a problem with him recognizing personally or professionally an American Veteran, Governor DeSantis. Right now, the people of Florida needs all the help they can get. I don’t see the adversaries to these contributions doing anything to help the people of Florida. Until they open their wallets and… Read more »

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago

Ah I thought they left Twitter when evil business man took over 🙁

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago

He’s not that good.

Anonymous
Anonymous
1 year ago

Luke Bryan is standing for Florida Hurricane Ian victims. That’s all.

Anonymous
Anonymous
1 year ago

There will always be haters out there. I don’t give a damn if you watch or don’t watch a show I don’t support gay or any immoral standings!!!!

LindaD.
LindaD.
1 year ago

Thank you Luke Your kindness , compassion and generosity are really appreciated. Our fellow Floridians need all the help they can get to rebuild their lives! Gov.DeSantis cares about his people!

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago

Loo

Ken
Ken
1 year ago

I understand why it did it and I can’t support desantis, but i dont’t hold it against him. The sad thing is a person like desantis will use it to make himself look as if he is supported by Bryan, and say stupid things like building a bridge in 3 days, when it was done with federal government leadership and money.

Terry
Terry
2 years ago

BS why would you let this happen. Big mistake

Anonymous
Anonymous
2 years ago

Yes I have totally got away from. Country. Will not listen and also anerican idol I will not watch again if he is on also all of the cma award shows I will boycott. But he is not the only country star that does political stuff. JSon Aldean also cancelled because his wife is selling a shirt that says Biden is a pedophile . So wrong but if that is what country is coming to then bye bye

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