Luke Bryan speaks out after being hit in the face during performance

July 30, 2025 – Radio854 News

Minot, North Dakota — During his encore performance of “Country Girl (Shake It for Me)” on July 26, 2025 at the North Dakota State Fair, country superstar Luke Bryan was unexpectedly struck in the face by what appeared to be a small object—a plush stress ball—thrown from the crowd.

Bryan, 49, briefly paused mid-song, glanced toward the audience, then resumed without missing a beat—prompting praise online for his composure and professionalism.

️ Bryan’s Response

In an interview with Taste of Country Nights, Bryan reflected on the incident with calm candor:

• “It’s the last song of the night … I think one person just took it too far.”

• “We see it. Every other entertainer out there is getting stuff—fans throw things at you.”

• “You hope you can see who did it … I probably would’ve jumped right off and handled it,” he said.

• But with children in the front rows, “if I’d even stopped and pointed somebody out, it kills the vibe of the show.”

Fans & Public Reaction

• A TikTok video by a fan showed the moment and was captioned: “Poor @Luke Bryan got hit in the face … carried on like a champ.”

• Viewers expressed outrage online, with comments such as: “There is no excuse for this,” and “Shame on whoever did this.” More applauded Bryan: “kept on rockin’, much respect.”

Broader Trend & Safety Concerns

This incident joins a growing list of celebrities—including Morgan Wallen, Kelsea Ballerini, and Billie Eilish—who have faced objects thrown at them while performing.

Law enforcement at the North Dakota State Fair commented that fan-thrown objects have become more frequent, and stressed that continued behavior of this kind could deter performers from appearing at the fair in the future. No suspects have been identified, and no charges are currently filed since Bryan has not pursued legal action.

Why It Matters

• Performer Safety: Even seemingly harmless items thrown at the stage can cause injury or disrupt a performance.

• Concert Culture: Bryan’s call to maintain the atmosphere—not escalating conflicts—speaks to the delicate balance artists navigate with live audiences.

• Industry Implications: As similar incidents pile up, artists and organizers are increasingly focused on enforcing stronger safety protocols at venues.

Wrap-Up

Luke Bryan’s professional reaction—carrying on with the show despite being hit—has earned him respect from fans around the world. His emphasis on preserving the show’s energy, especially for young fans in the audience, highlights both his commitment to performance and his concern for safety.

Radio 854 readers, what do you think? Should venues increase security measures? What should the etiquette be when attending live shows? Let us know your thoughts!