During each live episode of “American Idol” season 24, the audience at Red Studios in Los Angeles is packed with fans of the show and the families of the remaining contestants. But there was one very special audience member at last week’s Top 11 reveal on April 6, 2026.
Make-A-Wish alum Ashley Persson was also at the show and had a meaningful reunion with judge Luke Bryan behind the scenes, 11 years after their first meeting.
Make-A-Wish Alum Ashley Persson Says Luke Bryan’s Generosity is ‘Really Special’
When Persson was a teen, undergoing treatment for a rare cancer, she got to meet Bryan through the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which has coordinated and granted over 615,000 wishes to kids facing life-altering health issues since 1980.
Persson’s wish was to meet Bryan, and she got her chance at a meet-and-greet before the superstar’s concert at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, according to iHeart Country.
Now 28 and cancer-free, Persson shared a sweet reunion with Bryan backstage at “American Idol,” where she told ABC’s “On the Red Carpet” that she still associates his music with “a lot of happy memories and good times in my life.”
Knowing that Bryan has granted wishes for over 50 patients like her over the years, Persson told the outlet, “When I think about what Luke Bryan has done, that just shows that he must be in alignment with what he values and how he values people, and serving others around him with what he has, and the opportunity to impact and influence people like that.”
“You don’t have to say yes when you’re in a position like that,” Persson said of the country superstar’s generosity, “but I think saying yes to that many opportunities is really special and really unique, and shows that he values giving back and supporting people.”
Luke Bryan Says He’s Always ‘Cherished’ the Chance to Connect With Make-A-Wish Families
As Bryan talked to ABC with Persson, he explained, “We understand that these kids are going through so many challenges, their families are hanging on by a thread, the kids a lot of times don’t understand the severity of things, and so we just try to really be a great a day in their life.”
“They’re going through rough days, tough days,” he continued. “And, the fact that we have the ability to maybe flip the narrative and let them have a great day out on the road or coming backstage, is something I’ve always really cherished.”
Bryan asked Persson whether she was granted multiple wishes as a patient. When she replied, “No, just one,” he exclaimed, “And it was me!?” He adorably pumped his fist, making Persson giggle.
Posting photos of Bryan with Persson during her original Make-A-Wish meeting and 11 years later at “American Idol,” Make-A-Wish shared via social media, “Moments like this remind us just how life‑changing AND long-lasting the power of a wish can be. April is World Wish Month. Join Luke and Make-A-Wish in becoming a WishMaker for more children like Ashley at wishmaker.org.“
“American Idol” has also granted many wishes through the organization, including welcoming a young fan’s family to a taping of the show at Disney’s Aulani Resort & Spa in Hawaii during season 24.
Luke Bryan, you are such a WONDERFUL man!!! What you did for that young lady thru Make-A-Wish Foundation was AWESOM!!! Keep being YOU!!!