Luke Bryan Sings Merle Haggard Duet With ‘American Idol’ Contestant Alex Miller

With the much-anticipated season premiere of American Idol just days away, the show is offering fans a sneak peek of an exciting audition from Kentucky native Alex Miller. 

“Music means everything to me,” the 17-year-old country hopeful says in the introductory clip. He goes on to explain how he turned to music to help him cope with his parents’ divorce. Now, with nearly 1,000 performances under his belt, the high school student is ready for his shot at a ticket to Hollywood. 

Miller makes his way into the audition room and serves up an original tune he wrote for an ex-girlfriend. Armed with a guitar and pure traditional country vocals, Miller immediately captives judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan. 

“Thank you, Jesus,” Bryan gushes following his performance. 

“I am thrilled,” Richie adds. “Your personality is just infectious, man!”  

Bryan goes on to give Miller the offer of a lifetime, asking, “What happens if you were to ever play the Grand Ole Opry?”

“Oh, I don’t know man, I’d die and go to Heaven,” Miller replies. 

“I think I can make a call at some point,” Bryan promises.

After a little convincing from Perry, Bryan then joins Miller for a duet of Merle Haggard’s “Big City.” 

Ultimately, Miller earns a golden ticket and advances to Hollywood. Watch it all go down in the clip above. 

The upcoming season of American Idol will feature returning judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, in-house mentor Bobby Bones and longtime host Ryan Seacrest as they search for the next singing sensation.

American Idol will return to ABC on Sunday, February 14, 2021 (8:00-10:00 p.m. EST). 

Prior to the premiere, fans can tune in to Country Now’s Countdown to American Idol featuring acoustic performances with past Idol contestants Laine Hardy, Laci Kay Booth, Kat & Alex, Lauren Mascitti, Louis Knight and Grace Leer. Click HERE to RSVP to the livestream event.