Country star Luke Bryan was hit in the face by a flying object while performing at the North Dakota State Fair on Saturday.

As reported by KFYR-TV, American Idol judge, 49, was in the middle of performing his popular track “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” when a stress ball hit him on stage.

A TikTok clip made by a fan shows the moment Bryan stopped for a second, looked down at the ball, and scanned the audience before he resumed his performance.

‘Poor @Luke Bryan got hit in the face during his encore. Carried on like a champ though,’ one fan wrote under the clip.

Despite the unexpected interruption, Bryan maintained his composure and finished the song without missing a beat.

‘There is no excuse for this,’ one fan commented. 

Country star Luke Bryan was hit in the face by a flying object while performing at the North Dakota State Fair on Saturday; seen on 2025

Another added: ‘Shame on whoever did this.’

‘Who throws something at someone they paid to see?’ a third asked.

Others applauded Bryan’s professionalism, with one viewer noting, ‘Luke Bryan got hit but kept on rockin’ — much respect.’

Daily Mail has reached out to Bryan’s representatives, but they have not yet responded. 

Chief Deputy Larry Hubbard from the Ward County Sheriff’s Office, in charge of security at the fair, confirmed to KFYR-TV that the object thrown was a small plush or stress ball.

While no injuries were reported and Bryan has not issued a public statement, Hubbard said incidents like these are becoming more frequent.

“It becomes a concern, particularly when items are tossed towards the stage and the artist. It casts the event in a negative view,” stated Hubbard.

He also noted that announcements are made before each concert, urging attendees not to throw objects.

In 2023, the American Idol judge was performing his hit “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” when a stress ball hit him during the show, as captured by KFYR-TV.

Despite the unexpected interruption, Bryan maintained his composure and finished the song without missing a beat

At this time, authorities have not identified the individual responsible, and there is no active investigation, as no complaints have been filed. 

Bryan joins a growing list of artists who’ve faced similar disruptions from audience members. 

In May, SZA walked out of a meet-and-greet after a fan threw a bracelet at her.

In June 2023, Bebe Rexha was hit in the face with a cell phone during a New York concert, resulting in a cut above her eye that required stitches. 

‘There is no excuse for this,’ one fan commented while another wrote: ‘Shame on whoever did this’

That same month, a Pink concert was interrupted when a fan tossed what was reportedly a bag of their mother’s ashes onto the stage. 

Artists like Harry Styles, Cardi B, Lil Nas X, and Drake have also been targeted mid-performance.

Previously Taylor Swift spoke out about how it ‘really freaks’ her out when objects are thrown on her stage. 

During a 2023 Eras Tour in Buenos Aires, the Cruel Summer singer told the crowd, “If it lands on stage, a dancer might trip over it. I appreciate your gifts, they are wonderful, but please avoid throwing them on stage. I love you all dearly.”

Though this latest incident ended without injury, fans and event organizers alike are calling for more accountability and respect for artists.