![Luke Bryan Tests ‘American Idol’ Contestant’s Country Cred](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2018/03/lane.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Luke Bryan Tests ‘American Idol’ Contestant’s Country Cred
When 17-year-old Laine Hardy, a born-on-the-bayou southerner from Livingston, La. walked out to show his stuff on Mar. 12th's American Idol 2018 auditions, it wasn't immediately apparent he was star material. A rather unassuming figure in jeans and t-shirt, he had a chill manner to match, but he quickly won over judge Luke Bryan...and judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie to follow.
Hardy coolly and calmly stated his creds (which included his favorite hobby, "drivin' my truck around town...burnin' gas"), causing Bryan to snap to attention, telling him, "Keep talkin', I'm gonna write a country song."
Bryan, apparently bent on appraising the lad's country cred, pointed out judge Katy Perry's earrings, which were shaped like golden alligators.
"I haven't seen alligator earrings, but I've seen alligators," the teen noted, adding that he's hunted gators and come "about a foot" from one.
"Have you ever caught a gator on a topwater plug?" Bryan queried, to which Perry yelped, "I don't even know what the hell you're talking about!"
Hardy laughed, and Bryan said, "Please be able to sing!"
That, he was able to do. Hardy chose the bluesy "Hurricane" by Austin's Band of Heathens, and wowed the panel with smoky, gritty vocals that belied his tender years. The judges didn't even bother to come to a vote—this kid was in.
"If you ain’t careful, you might win American Idol,” Bryan said admiringly. "Don't let a gator tail hit you in the throat!"
American Idol airs Mondays and Tuesdays at 8PM ET/PT, and we'll be keeping an eye on how Luke does...as well as standout performances.
Forgotten American Idol Auditions of the Stars
Sure, You Know About Carrie But What Happened to These Idol Stars?
More From Cat Country 107.3
![Mara Justine of Galloway Going to Hollywood on American Idol](http://townsquare.media/site/396/files/2018/03/Mara-Justine-IDOL.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Jason Aldean Channels the ’80s at Daddy-Daughter Dance](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2018/01/jason-aldean-rearview-town-still.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Fan Video Captures Tim McGraw’s Stage Collapse and the Response](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2018/03/McGraw.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![What Would The ‘Breakfast At Tiffany’s’ Dress Look Like Today?](http://townsquare.media/site/396/files/2018/03/breakfast-at-tiffanys-poster.png?w=980&q=75)
![‘American Idol’ Is Back, and Luke Bryan’s Doing it Proud](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2018/03/Luke-Bryan-American-Idol.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Police Look for Kids Who Damaged Construction Equipment In Buena](http://townsquare.media/site/396/files/2018/03/Kids.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![St. Paddy’s Day Run Will Benefit Those in Need in South Jersey](http://townsquare.media/site/396/files/2018/03/GettyImages-141494879.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![NJ Drunk Driver Flees Scene of Crime Because Of ‘Rednecks’](http://townsquare.media/site/396/files/2018/03/RS15318_147298919.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Vineland and Somers Point Best Places to Get Laid in South Jersey [NSFW]](http://townsquare.media/site/396/files/2018/03/Laid.jpg?w=980&q=75)