Maddie Poppe Wins ‘American Idol’ After Runner-Up Reveals They’re Dating

LOS ANGELES (AP) – Iowa native Maddie Poppe has won “American Idol”.

Reality series are usually remembered for their winners, but “American Idol” changed up that routine Monday night with a little romance.

In addition to performances by Caleb, Gabby, and Maddie, four past contestants – Jonny Brenns, Catie Turner, Michelle Sussett and Harper Grace – also made their return to the stage to perform an original song medley. “This is just divine intervention, honey”.

Her performances prompted Perry on Sunday to say she was voting for the Iowan – even getting out her cell phone to ostensibly do so. The shocking announcement had the judges – Katy, Luke Bryan, 41, and Lionel Richie, 68 – completely stunned.

Dan Doty said he’s known Maddie for awhile because she’s friends with his daughter.

“Well, you know, Maddie’s like my best pal”, he said to Ryan Seacrest. Gabby looked understandably upset, walking offstage with teary eyes and heading to her parents. The couple was also gifted with a Hawaiian getaway. After weeks of singing their heart out and climbing to the top of the ladder for America’s vote, only one of the fan-beloved contestants could win.

Then, Seacrest announced that Hutchinson and Poppe had won a trip to Hawaii for placing first and second on the show. As far as what people freaked out most about? And I thought, ‘I have to get him in my group for Group Rounds!’ I found him and asked him, ‘Do you want to be in my group?’ And we hung out pretty much every day since then. We weren’t looking for anything. “I really did because my music is not mainstream, so to know that I pulled this off just doing what I love and I didn’t have to change myself, it’s incredible”. Tonight was the culmination of a months-long journey to become the American Idol 2018 victor and featured incredible performances not only from the Top 3, including Caleb Lee Hutchinson and Gabby Barrett, but also from judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan.