Watch: Caleb Lee Hutchinson announces Maddie Poppe is his girlfriend

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. 

Read more about the eventful finale of American Idol on Monday night

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