As if it weren’t surprising enough that a female won American Idol for the first time since 2013? Viewers learned during the big reveal on Monday’s finale that winner Maddie Poppe and runner-up Caleb Lee Hutchinson have been in a relationship since Hollywood Week!!!
It was the romantic twist that we didn’t even know we needed! Icing on the cake after Maddie became the first female singer/songwriter to take the crown in the Idol’s 16 season history.
After Maddie and Caleb jetted to New York City last night on the “GMA Express” with the winners of Dancing with the Stars, Adam Rippon and Jenna Johnson, the two sat together while host Michael Strahan grilled them for relationship details. When they met at the beginning of Hollywood Week in January, Caleb knew right away that he had feelings for Maddie. But she had to be convinced.
Later, Maddie shared her feelings in a “winners interview” alongside the DWTS champs about what it was like to hear Ryan call out her name. Her parents give her a shoutout. Maddie talks about sharing her journey with her musician dad.
Later, Caleb and 3rd place finisher Gabby Barrett (beaming in via satellite!) talked about their respective experiences. Caleb said his feelings were conflicted between wanting to win, and being “Team Maddie.” He also talked about losing weight, and more.
Gabby is ready to move to Nashville and make her music career dreams come true.
