While working onAmerican Idoldoesn’t directly involve his children,Luke Bryanis realizing that his time on the show has made him an even better parent.
During the show’s season 18 premiere event on Wednesday, the 43-year-old country singer told PEOPLE of how his experience with the series’ contestants has changed him as a father, “I didn’t realizethat when I signed up for thisthat I would lay in bed at night wondering about these kids and praying for their well-being.”
“Being the fatherly figure, I’ve learned that there are many struggles kids are going through these days,” explained Bryan, who’s dad to sonsTatum Christopher, 9½, andThomas Boyer, 11. “It’s taught me that if I see some of these things in my kids, it’s a real thing.”
“I have my way I raise my kids, but that doesn’t mean they’re not going to have mental-health problems. This show has taught me a broader view ofwhat kids are dealing with in society,” the star added. “I just relish the opportunity to mentor these kids and mentor them through this crazy journey.”
Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.
Jon Kopaloff/Getty
Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie.ABC/Disney
Bryan — who took in histhen-college-aged nieces and nephew Til, now 18, after the deaths of their parents — told reporters, “With me and what I’ve dealt with, I see myself in some of these kids.”
“You just have to trust in God’s plan,” he said. “You wake up every day and go, ‘I’vehad unfortunate things in my life. I just have to trust that that’s how God wanted it.’ That’s how I cope. Sometimes I cope well, but sometimes life does get me down.”
RELATED VIDEO:American IdolJudges Get Real About Who Is the Hardest to Impress
WhileKaty Perryjoked on Wednesday night’s episode ofJimmyKimmel Live!that Bryan and their fellowIdoljudgeLionel Richiearen’tinvited to her upcoming weddingto fiancéOrlando Bloombecause she “can’t afford them,” Bryan still had some sweet words to say about their relationship.
“Katy’s obviously been married once [before] so she’s probably got all the advice, but her and Orlando,they have a fun relationship andI think that’s very critical,” he told reporters at theIdolpremiere. “Keep the relationship fun. My wife and I try to do that. If life gets busy and we get in a funk and we realize we haven’t talked to each other in a while, no matter how mad you make each other, try and communicate.”
As for how Perry, 35, would be as a parent, “She’s going to be a blast to have as a mom,” Bryan said. “I couldn’t imaginegrowing up in her household. Even when I talk about me and my kids, she’s checking out how I juggle the kids. We’ll see one day if it ever happens how she’ll respond, but I know she’s going to be an amazing mom.”
American Idolseason 18 premieres Sunday at 8 p.m. ET/7 p.m. CT on ABC.
source: people.com
