Luke Bryan returned to on Sunday, after previously missing the first live show of the season due to his COVID-19 diagnosis. The country crooner opened up to ET after the episode and reflected on his recovery and his time in quarantine.«Well it was very tough, I'll tell you,» Bryan told ET's Lauren Zima, as he opened up alongside fellow judges Lionel Richie and Katy Perry. «I learned how much I loved the investment that obviously me and Lionel and Katy have put in [to the season].»Bryan had to sit out the first live episode of season, and formerjudge Paula Abdul returned to the show to fill in.
However, Bryan admitted that the absence was particularly difficult.«I mean, it was really really tough not being there. That was the toughest part.