Luke Bryan credits his Christian upbringing and small-town values for helping him navigate the challenges of his life

Luke Bryan has always found comfort in his faith and the values he learned in his small hometown, which have helped him deal with the pressures of being a famous person.
After the latest episode of "American Idol" aired on Monday, the famous country singer and judge on the show shared his thoughts on the importance of the night's theme, which was about faith, and how it resonated with him on a personal level.
"It's great to have a platform like this where these young singers can perform songs that are meaningful to them," Bryan said in an interview with Fox News Digital. "I think the people watching at home really appreciate this kind of night and can enjoy it with their families, listening to songs that inspire and uplift them. What's better than spending time with your loved ones and watching a night of music that brings people together and strengthens their faith? I love it."
Luke Bryan expressed his admiration for the faith-themed night on "American Idol." (Eric McCandless/via Getty Images)
The episode, called "Songs of Faith," featured the top 14 contestants giving powerful and inspiring performances that focused on their spiritual beliefs.
Bryan, who sang "Jesus Is Love" with fellow judge Lionel Richie during the live episode on Monday, said that he often relies on his upbringing to get through the tough times that come with being a celebrity.
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"I was a kid who sang in the Baptist church choir," he said. "When you spend a lot of time in church and learn about your faith and what you believe in, it's what you have to hold onto to get through the ups and downs of life. I mean, when you think about all the challenges you face, it takes faith and the belief in a higher power to get through it all. So, faith has been a big part of my life since I was a kid singing in the Baptist Church, and we heard a lot of sermons about it. It's been ingrained in my mind to be strong in my faith for many years."
WATCH: Luke Bryan credits his 'Baptist church' roots and small-town values for helping him navigate a 'challenging life'
"I think the values I learned in my small town, the work ethic, and what I learned from my family, neighbors, and church have stayed with me throughout my life and help me navigate its challenges. That's why I don't hesitate to go back home, attend a fish fry, and get my feet dirty in the Georgia mud," he added.
Bryan performed "Jesus Is Love" with Lionel Richie during Monday's episode of "American Idol." (Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images)
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In 2023, Bryan talked about how he achieved success the old-fashioned way, through hard work and determination.
"For most of my career, I felt like I had to prove myself. So, it's really freeing and satisfying to just be myself and not have to prove anything to anyone," Bryan shared with People magazine at the time.
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"I earned my success the old-fashioned way, by working hard and putting in the effort. A lot of people have supported me and helped me along the way, and I hope they can enjoy the benefits of my success too."
The country star said he often relies on his small-town values and Christian upbringing to help him deal with life's challenges. (Terry Wyatt/WireImage)
A two-time CMA Entertainer of the Year, Bryan started his career a bit later than he had planned.
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"Looking back, I'm proud of the journey I've taken to get where I am today. I had planned to move to Nashville when I was 20, but my brother passed away, and I think I would have handled it differently if I were younger and less mature. When I moved to Nashville at 25, I was better at reading people and navigating the music industry," he shared.
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"I'm able to draw from my memories of college, spring breaks, fraternity parties, football games, and put those experiences into my music," he explained, saying that having more life experiences before starting his career has given him a broader perspective on life, from hard work to dealing with loss.
Christina Dugan Ramirez is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital.
The "American Idol" judge has been open about how his faith and small-town roots have helped him navigate the challenges of his life, and he continues to be a role model for his fans.
Bryan's ability to connect with his fans and share his faith and values has made him a beloved figure in the music industry.
The country star's success is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and staying true to one's values and faith.