During a performance at the North Dakota State Fair on Saturday, country music sensation Luke Bryan was unexpectedly struck in the face by an airborne object.
As reported by KFYR-TV, the 49-year-old American Idol judge was in the middle of performing his hit track “Country Girl (Shake It For Me)” when a stress ball came flying towards him, hitting him mid-song.
A fan-captured video on TikTok shows Bryan pausing momentarily to check the object, then looking out into the audience before seamlessly continuing his performance.
“Poor @Luke Bryan got hit in the face during his encore. Carried on like a champ though,” commented a fan on the video clip.
Despite the surprise interruption, Bryan displayed professionalism by maintaining his rhythm and finishing the song without a hitch.
Another fan voiced their disapproval of the incident, stating, “There is no excuse for this.”
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 of the Ward County Sheriff’s Office, who oversees security at the fair, confirmed to KFYR-TV that the incident involved 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 is an issue, especially when they are throwing it at all, but when they’re throwing it at the stage, at the artist. I think it paints the event in a bad light,’ Hubbard said.
He also noted that announcements are made before each concert, urging attendees not to throw objects.
According to KFYR-TV, the American Idol judge was singing his hit song Country Girl (Shake It For Me) when he was struck by a stress ball mid-performance; seen in 2023
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.
‘If it’s on the stage, then a dancer could trip on it,’ the Cruel Summer hitmaker told an audience in Buenos Aires during a 2023 Eras Tour show. ‘I love that you brought presents and that is so nice, but just, can you please not throw them on the stage? I love you so much.’
Though this latest incident ended without injury, fans and event organizers alike are calling for more accountability and respect for artists.
