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Maddie Poppe Crowned the First Winner of ‘American Idol’ Reboot!
After weeks and weeks of auditions, live performances, and Katy Perry wardrobe malfunctions, the first winner of the American Idol reboot has been announced. So, who won the reality singing competition in 2018? It was none other than Maddie Poppe!
Ryan Seacrest crowned Maddie as judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan, and Katy Perry — and her boyfriend Caleb Lee Hutchinson, who came in second — cheered on. Gabby Barrett came in third in an incredibly close vote. In a twist of fate, Maddie auditioned for The Voice back in 2015, but none of the judges turned their chairs for her during the blind audition. "I was a terrible singer at that song — it was not good," Maddie told local newspaper The Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier at the time. "I’m not making excuses, I just wasn’t ready. I’ve changed so much in three years that I’m glad it didn’t work out (on The Voice)."
WIG!! We have your 2018 🎤American Idol🎶!! pic.twitter.com/1iaOnMxs6g
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) May 22, 2018
Now, nearly three years later, she is the new American Idol!
So, what does the American Idol winner get?
The winner of the new American Idol will be walking away with a record deal with Hollywood Records, a performance at the Hollywood Bowl next week, and a cash prize of $250,000 — according to an ABC spokesperson. However, in 2010, The New York Times detailed the downside of a record deal with the franchise — claiming it binds the artist to the show's producers for up to seven years, which is double as a typical contract.
What's next for Maddie?
Maddie is joining the rest of the Top 7 for the American Idol Live tour. Former winner Kris Allen will be joining the contestants for the concert tour — and boy band In Real Life will be guest performers for select dates. Kicking off on July 11 and running until Sept. 16, the singers will be traveling for over 40 cities, and tickets are now on sale. "The talent this year is unbelievable," Kris said of the tour. "They sound amazing. It's going to be awesome."
Will there be an American Idol Season 2?
Yes! ABC has already announced that Ryan and the judges will be back for a second season of the reboot. "Our new judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie have brought huge credibility, energy, and fun to the show this year, and we are so excited to continue the journey with Ryan Seacrest at the helm in the search for the next superstar," Trish Kinane, executive producer and showrunner of American Idol, said.
Unfortunately, a premiere date has yet to be announced. Consider our wigs snatched.
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