‘American Idol’ Fan Favorite Grace Kinstler Is Engaged: See the Proposal and Ring
What To Know
- Grace Kinstler, who appeared in American Idol Season 19, got engaged to Joseph Wheatley.
- The couple has has been dating for more than six years.
- Kinstler finished in third place behind Chayce Beckham and Willie Spence on Idol.
American Idol alum Grace Kinstler celebrated a major life milestone on July 31 when she got engaged to longtime boyfriend Joseph Wheatley. The pair shared a joint Instagram post to announce the news.
“07.31.2026 Forever best friends,” it was captioned. The first photo featured the lovebirds sharing a kiss, with Kinstler’s engagement ring front and center on her future husband’s face. The ring features a silver band adorned with small diamonds and a circle diamond stone in the middle.
This engagement was seemingly a long time coming, as Kinstler and Wheatley have been together for nearly seven years. She celebrated their six-year anniversary with a sweet tribute in November 2025, writing, “Happy 6 year anniversary to the man who learned Mandarin at a moments notice and then spoke it in front of millions on Chinese television because he’s just that cool (and because he loves me),” she gushed. “You are my best friend and the love of my life. I’m so grateful to do every day with you.”
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Kinstler is a singer best known for competing in Season 19 of American Idol in 2021. She finished in third place behind winner Chayce Beckham and runner-up Willie Spence. Meanwhile, Wheatley is a real estate professional in the Austin, Texas, area.
The two were in a relationship when Kinstler was a contestant on American Idol, navigating a long-distance relationship while she was on the West Coast and he was in Texas. Wheatley is also musical and once placed in the Top 16 in the East Coast Beatbox Battle. He posts beatboxing videos on TikTok.
Kinstler released her new song, “My Name’s on You,” on July 31, the same day Wheatley proposed. He popped the question at Boston Public Garden. It’s possible that the two met in Boston, as she attended Berklee College of Music and he attended Northeastern University.
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