Eric Church Replaces Luke Bryan at Major Country Festivals Amid Vocal Health Struggles
Country Star Luke Bryan Faces Vocal Setback, Eric Church Steps In
Country music fans were in for an unexpected twist this weekend. Country legend Luke Bryan has officially bowed out of several high-profile festival appearances due to ongoing vocal issues, with fellow superstar Eric Church stepping in as his last-minute replacement.
During his recent Country On Tour stop in Rogers, Arkansas, Bryan paused mid-show to open up about his vocal struggles — a moment that quickly went viral. Addressing the crowd with heartfelt honesty, Bryan admitted something felt off.
“This is the weirdest thing I’ve ever dealt with in my life. I cannot have my voice in this venue for some reason,” he told fans.
In a surprising and generous move, Bryan refunded the entire audience, citing an earlier similar gesture by Luke Combs as his inspiration.
“So I don’t give a d***, I’m gonna refund everybody that’s in this venue tonight,” he declared. “We’re gonna keep doing this d*** show, okay?… We’re just gonna make the most of it.”
Eric Church to Headline in Bryan’s Place
Luke Bryan was originally scheduled to headline Country Stampede in Kansas (Thursday), NEBRASKAland Days (Friday), and Country Jam Colorado (Saturday). Due to his vocal complications, Bryan has handed off the mic to none other than Eric Church, a trusted friend and country icon in his own right.
“I’m really sorry to say I won’t be able to play this weekend’s shows due to continued illness,” Bryan shared via social media. “Huge thanks to my buddy @ericchurch for stepping in last minute.”
Church, known for his raw talent and unfiltered performances, is planning a special stripped-down set featuring long-time backing vocalist Joanna Cotten.
“Festivals are part of the fabric of what made us who we are,” Church said. “Happy to fill in for Luke while he’s on the mend. Not a lot of time to plan… so I’m bringing Jo and we’re gonna do something unique and spontaneous.”
Luke Bryan’s Health Concerns Have Been Ongoing
The vocal struggles seem to be part of a larger pattern. Just weeks earlier, during a June 13 show in Orlando, Florida, Bryan forgot the lyrics to his own song, “Strip It Down.” After flawlessly performing the first verse and chorus, he suddenly froze during the second verse.
“I totally forgot all the words,” he laughed, before quickly recovering and picking up where he left off — to cheers from the crowd.
Change of plans, Chief style! Eric is stepping in last minute to perform this week @CountryStampede in Kansas on Thursday night, @NEBRASKAlandDAY on Friday night, and @CountryJamCO on Saturday night as he fills in for Luke Bryan.
“Festivals are part of the fabric of what made us… pic.twitter.com/FmpVceFI4x
— Eric Church (@ericchurch) June 25, 2025
Looking Ahead: Fans Rally Behind Both Stars
While Bryan rests and focuses on vocal recovery, fans are rallying behind both artists. Church’s surprise sets are expected to be intimate, unscripted, and full of the unexpected — a treat for fans lucky enough to attend.
As Luke Bryan continues to heal, fans across the country are sending their well wishes — and gearing up to see what magic Eric Church will bring to the stage.
@ariana.wh “i got it☝️” #fyp #lukebryan #concert @Luke Bryan ♬ original sound – ari
