Corey Oates pranked during KIIS 97.3 debut with ‘Luke Combs’ interview fail

What started as a dream interview with country music megastar Luke Combs turned into an epic disaster for Corey Oates during his KIIS 97.3 debut.

American country singer-songwriter Luke Combs will feature at Suncorp Stadium tonight. Picture: Jeremy Cowart

Corey Oates’ much-hyped radio debut at KIIS 97.3 took a dramatic turn on Friday morning when his first-ever live interview, with country music megastar Luke Combs, ended in chaos — or so it seemed.

The Brisbane Broncos legend-turned-radio host had been buzzing with excitement over the chance to interview his idol during Combs’ first week in Australia for his 2025 tour.

But what began as a dream come true quickly spiralled into an on-air disaster that left Oates and listeners stunned.

American country singer-songwriter Luke Combs, whose fourth album 'Gettin' Old' was released in 2023 ahead of a sold-out Australian arena tour. Picture: supplied

Initially, the interview seemed to go off without a hitch.

Oates, a self-proclaimed country music fanatic, engaged the caller, who appeared to be Combs, in lively banter about his Aussie tour and infamous shoey antics.

“Last time I did a shoey in Australia, playing a festival — I don’t know if you’ve heard of it … it’s called CMC Rocks Queensland. I took off my own boot, poured the beer in it, and got a throat infection,” the caller said.

Oates, fully in the spirit of the moment, joined in by doing his own shoey live on air, pouring a XXXX beer into his RM Williams boot.

“I said during the week I’d drink out of your shoe, but after that story, you can keep your boot on your foot!” he joked.

But things took a sudden turn when Oates asked the country star about how fatherhood had influenced his music.

“I don’t want any questions about my family. That’s just not cool, man,” the caller snapped before abruptly hanging up.

A flustered Oates scrambled to apologise.

“Mate, I have to apologise. I really didn’t know. I definitely wouldn’t have asked if they told me,” he said, his distress palpable.

His co-hosts, Robin Bailey and Kip Wightman, jumped in to console him.

“Don’t worry, these things happen. Are you okay?” Bailey asked.

Radio host Corey Oates. Photo: KIIS.

Moments later, the caller reconnected, but rather than patch things up, they doubled down. “I probably wouldn’t want to continue the interview, to be honest with you,” the voice said, leaving Oates mortified.

Then came the twist that turned the entire segment on its head.

“Before we wrap this up, I’m not actually Luke Combs. I’m Justin from iHeart Country Australia, and I’m in the building,” the caller said.

Oates, who admitted he hadn’t slept for two nights preparing for the interview, was floored. “You got me. Ripper,” he said, as the studio erupted in laughter.

The prank had been meticulously planned, with Justin perfecting his Southern drawl and throwing in believable anecdotes about Combs’ life, including his penchant for shoeys.

“His voice at the start … I was like, it’s got to be him. I can’t just say, ‘This isn’t him,’” Oates confessed.

Adding to Oates’ heartbreak was the effort he’d put into the interview, including organising a custom State of Origin jersey for Combs.

“I’ve got people. I know people,” he joked, frustrated that the gift had been part of an elaborate prank.

Luke Combs has announced he will perform at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on January 24 and 25, 2025. Photo: David Bergman

Thankfully, his co-hosts softened the blow with good news.

“We’ve been dealing with Combs’ record company heaps, and they’ve said they will guarantee the jersey gets to him,” Bailey revealed.

Reflecting on the rollercoaster moment, Oates told the Courier-Mail he was relieved the real Combs hadn’t been offended.

“I was gutted, then I was so happy because I didn’t piss off the best country singer in the world,” he said.

“But I didn’t sleep for two nights trying to make this perfect, man, they got me good.”

Despite the ordeal, Oates’ professionalism and good humour earned praise.

“You were so lovely through it all,” Bailey said.

“It felt like we were clubbing a harp seal.”