Skip to main content

American Idol made its big return to television and it had a pretty interesting finale. The season came down to Caleb Lee Hutchinson, Maddie Poppe, and Gabby Barrett in the top three. Barrett was then the first to be kicked out of the competition, and some fans were very angry about this.

But the drama didn’t exactly end there. Hutchinson and Poppe then revealed that they have been keeping a secret from the viewers. They are dating! The judges looked surprised as well.

So why did they keep it a secret and how does Hutchinson feel about losing to his girlfriend (page 5)? Here are seven things to know about their relationship.

1. Lee Hutchinson and Maddie Poppe announce their relationship on the finale

The two revealed their relationship. | ABC

The final two contestants announced they started dating with 15 minutes left in the show. “Well Maddie is my pal and I’ve known her since the beginning of Hollywood week. And she actually happens to be my girlfriend,” said Hutchinson.

The couple then performed “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” together and was surprised with a trip to Hawaii. After it was announced that it was Poppe who won, Hutchinson celebrated her win on Twitter.

“MY GIRLFRIEND WON AMERICAN IDOL!!! No one deserved it more than you babe. I am honored to know you and even more honored to call you mine. Don’t forget about me. I love you ❤️” he tweeted.

Next: Here is what this could mean about the couple’s singing future.