Before Maddie Poppe took home the “American Idol” crown Monday, beating out Caleb Lee Hutchinson, the Paulding County country singer revealed some news.

They are (gasp!) dating! The reveal shocked the audience and the judges just minutes before Ryan Seacrest named the winner.

Keith Stell, Caleb’s pastor, said in an interview tonight that he had kept the little secret for weeks and was surprised that they chose to reveal it on air. “They just made this connection during Hollywood week,” Stell said. “Their characters melded together. They share a lot in common.”

Indeed, they are both from small towns and are the same age to boot.

This season's "American Idol" top 3: Maddie Poppe, left, Caleb Lee Hutchinson and Gabby Barrett.
icon to expand image

About the Author

Keep Reading

Police tell Spanish-language reporter Mario Guevara to move back during a protest on Chamblee Tucker Road in DeKalb County on Saturday. (Arvin Temkar/AJC)

Credit: arvin.temkar@ajc.com

Featured

Toi Cliatt, Trina Martin and her son, Gabe Watson, say they were traumatized when an FBI SWAT team raided their Atlanta home by mistake in 2017. (Courtesy of Institute for Justice)

Credit: Courtesy Institute for Justice