On Friday’s Good Morning America, current American Idol winner Maddie Poppe announced that 19 year old Meghan Woods from Hendersonville, North Carolina is going to Hollywood.
Folks who watch the Country Music Awards on Wednesday (Nov 14) saw clips of Meghan and fellow singers Cameron Lenz and Natalie Spiroff singing popular country covers. Fans had the opportunity to vote for their favorite online. The winner won a coveted Golden Ticket to Idol’s Hollywood Round.
Maddie broke the news to the singer via Skype. “I’ve always wanted to inspire people and make a difference with my music,” said Meghan when Michael asked why she deserved to be the next American Idol. “So many other artists have done that for me.” After learning she won, Meghan cried, “Thank you guys so much!”
Here’s how the contest worked: Idol producers chose three lucky country singers from entries uploaded to Instagram. The singers were whisked away to Nashville, where they were filmed performing popular country covers at judge Luke Bryan’s new music club. Clips of the performances were aired throughout the broadcast, after which fans voted online for their favorite. (See all three entries HERE).
https://youtu.be/WacMk7rf7_g
Before making the big announcement, Maddie chatted with co-host Michael Strahan about live after American Idol. “A year ago I was just a college student,” said Maddie. “Just sitting on my parents couch all the time.” Maddie added somewhat wistfully, “Now I’m flying all over the country and I’m never with my family. I think maybe that’s the biggest [change].”
Although Maddie is away from her family, she will have the opportunity today to meet up with her boyfriend, and current Idol runner-up, Caleb Lee Hutchinson. The next season of American Idol is set to premiere March 2019.
Watch Maddie Poppe deliver the good news to Meghan Woods below.
A thank you from Meghan
She’s going to Hollywood! Congratulations to our #IdolCMAContest winnner, Meghan Woods!? pic.twitter.com/J3QLYsGibN
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) November 16, 2018
