See Luke Bryan’s Off-Screen Duet With American Idol Hopeful Aniston Pate

Luke Bryan shared a special moment backstage with American Idol contestant Aniston Pate on the set of the hit singing competition TV series – where they teamed up for a rendition of Shenandoah’s “Church On Cumberland Road.” While it didn’t air on TV, we’re lucky that the spontaneous performance was caught on camera, and the American Idol judge shared it on his Instagram for us to see.

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“90s country music and @americanidol. Man I love me some @shenandoahband,” Bryan wrote in the caption along the short video.

Pate promptly responded and shared the excitement with the country star, saying, “Let’s do it again sometime!”

Aniston Pate, Dubbed As A Modern-Day Dolly Parton

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Aniston Pate, who was born and raised in Dalhart, Texas, and is a tractor driver back home, made an impressive American Idol audition, where she performed an original song titled “Hummingbird.” 

The American Idol hopeful revealed before taking the stage that she co-wrote the poignant ballad with her friend, Davis Luce. The song was actually inspired by none other than her mother, who was always humming when she was driving Pate to school.

She then wowed all three judges the moment she began strumming her acoustic guitar and showcased her talents. Not only did Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Katy Perry were moved by the original song, Pate also got the biggest nod when Richie compared her to country queen Dolly Parton. Perry even mentioned that Pate is on the path to becoming an excellent songwriter in Nashville.

Ultimately, Pate earned three “yes” votes from the judges, securing a golden ticket to Hollywood.

Well, catch more of Aniston Pate on American Idol, which airs every Sunday at 8/7c on NBC.