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

The SNAP program provided benefits to about 13% of Georgia’s population, 1.4 million people, during the 2024 fiscal year. (Associated Press)

Credit: Sipa USA via AP

Featured

Rebecca Ramage-Tuttle, assistant director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Georgia, says the the DOE rule change is “a slippery slope” for civil rights. (Hyosub Shin/AJC)

Credit: HYOSUB SHIN / AJC