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Luke Bryan Invites ‘American Idol’ Contestant Alex Miller to Perform at the Grand Ole Opry
“And maybe I’ll share the stage with you a little bit if you’ll have me,” Bryan promised.
Luke Bryan, Alex Miller; Photo Courtesy ABC
Alex Miller’s American Idol journey may have come to an end on Sunday evening, but it appears this isn’t the end of the road for the 17-year-old country singer from Kentucky.
Miller took the stage during Idol‘s Showstopper round for a chance to secure a spot in the Top 24. Following his performance of Merle Haggard’s “Silver Wings,” judge Luke Bryan delivered the unfortunate news that he would not be moving forward in the competition.
“You have a natural gift,” Bryan said. “You make people smile, it is your gift.”
The superstar went on to encourage him to go home and find who he is as a performer.
“You take this personality, this character and you go and start carving and molding out who Alex is,” Bryan explained and later added, “You have to be your own artist.”
Miller was noticeably disappointed but took the news in stride.
“I’m a huge believer in what you are and I’m sorry to be the deliverer of the bad news,” Bryan said.
Moments later, viewers were surprised to see a Facetime call between Miller and Bryan where the high schooler was surprised with the invitation of a lifetime.
“Do you remember a certain promise that I made you during your audition process?” Bryan asked Miller.
“Oh, I haven’t forgotten that,” Miller shared.
“Well, I made some calls to my good friends at the Grand Ole Opry and they agreed to let my buddy Alex Miller come perform at the Grand Ole Opry,” the “Down To One” singer revealed.
Miller was overcome with emotion.
“Oh my God,” Miller said in a state of shock. “Oh my God!”
“And maybe I’ll share the stage with you a little bit if you’ll have me,” Bryan promised.
After revealing that he once toured the Opry as a child, Miller said it would be a “full circle” moment for him.
Watch the incredible moment go down in the clip below.
Written by
Lauren Jo Black
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.