Where Are the ‘American Idol’ Revival Winners & Finalists Now? (PHOTOS)
Maddie Poppe
Since winning Season 16, Poppe released her debut album, Whirlwind, and toured with Ingrid Michaelson. In August 2019, she told the Des Moines Register she has complicated feelings about Idol. “In some ways, they have been really supportive, and in other ways, they have really turned their back, which is disappointing and it’s sad to see they just left you out for the wolves and turned their back and something else is more important now,” she said.
Caleb Lee Hutchinson
Hutchinson, runner-up of Season 16, released a self-titled EP in June 2019, with Sugarland’s Kristian Bush producing. And yes, he’s still in a relationship with Poppe. “Thank you for making my world so much brighter in these two years, Maddie,” he wrote on Instagram in January. “I look forward to many many more with you.”
Cade Foehner
Foehner and Barrett are Season 16’s other great love story: The couple married in October 2019 after a six-month engagement. And Foehner, who came in fourth place on the show, featured photos from their wedding in his music video for “Baby, Let’s Do This,” released the same month.
Laine Hardy
The Season 17 winner’s Idol coronation song, “Flame,” reached No. 8 on Billboard’s Digital Songs chart in May 2019, and he embarked on a national tour that November. He’s currently at work on his debut album with music producer and frequent Jason Aldean collaborator Michael Knox.
Alejandro Aranda
Aranda, Season 17’s runner-up, released his debut album, Exit Form, under the name Scarypoolparty in November 2019, capping off a banner year in which he performed more than two dozen concerts, including stops at Lollapalooza and Austin City Limits.
Madison VanDenburg
After ranking in third on Season 17, VanDenburg resumed covering hit songs on YouTube, recently treating fans to her versions of Rihanna’s “Diamonds” and Demi Lovato’s “Tell Me You Love Me.”
Laci Kaye Booth
In a New Year’s Eve 2019 Instagram post, the fourth-place contestant of Season 17 said she had signed with United Talent Agency and moved to Nashville. “I’ve made so many friendships [and] have written some incredible songs with incredible people that I can’t wait to share,” she added.
Ready to crown your next Idol? ABC’s American Idol is returning for Season 18 on Sunday, February 16, with a new batch of singers vying to become the newest musical superstar.
“Those auditioning for the coveted ticket to Hollywood include a subway performer from Harlem who gives one of the most emotional auditions in Idol history; a garbage collector with no experience who heads to the streets of Savannah, alongside host Ryan Seacrest, to warm up for his audition; and a hopeless romantic who encounters her own fairy tale twist during her audition as she sings from the heart,” ABC says in a press release.
Ahead of Idol’s Season 18 premiere, we’re checking in with the top contestants from the two other seasons of the reality competition’s ABC years. Flip through the slides above to see where these favorites are now.
American Idol, Season 18 Premiere, Sunday, February 16, 8/7c
