American Idol’s Caleb Lee Hutchinson and Maddie Poppe, who announced their relationship during the Season 16 finale, have quietly broken up.
In 2018, American Idol was rebooted on ABC after being off air for two years. It previously aired on Fox from 2002-2016 for 15 seasons and has had some pretty famous names come from the show including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry, and many more.
For Season 16, Ryan Seacrest returned to host the show with Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Ritchie starting their tenure as judges.
Caleb and Maddie Reveal Relationship During Season 16 Finale
During the Season 16 finale, Caleb Lee Hutchinson and Maddie Poppe were the final two contestants remaining and were set to team up for a duet before Seacrest revealed who the champion was. Prior to their duet, Seacrest asked if there was a special significance to singing this song with Maddie.
“Well, you know, Maddie’s like my best pal,” he said. “And I’ve known her since the beginning of Hollywood Week and she actually happens to be my girlfriend, so that makes it easier.”
His shocking confession sent the crowd into a frenzy and made the three judges freak out! Katy Perry started literally spinning in her chair, with some help from Luke Bryan, and Lionel just stood with his hands in the air. Watch that moment below.
In the following months, the two seemed inseparable and were constantly posting about one another.
In July 2018, Caleb shared a photo of the two of them with the caption, “Through thick and thin, I’ve got your back. I love you with all my heart and that ain’t just for the gram. I am honored to stand by you.”
Maddie and Caleb Seemingly Break Up
While neither singer have posted about the other since 2022, there was never an official break-up statement so everyone just assumed they were still together but supporting each other from a distance.
On July 23, 2023, Maddie shared an Instagram post, which was a photo taken of a Polaroid picture of her closely hugging the new man in her life, musician Gabe Burdulis.
View this post on Instagram
Maddie’s Last Post Of Caleb
Many fans chimed in to her comments section wondering when she and Caleb broke up, while other fans said their relationship had been over for a while.
The last time Maddie posted on social media with Caleb was on June 10, 2022.
View this post on Instagram
Caleb’s Last Post With Maddie
On May 3, 2022, Caleb celebrated the fact that he and Maddie went back to visit their old stomping grounds, American Idol, and sang “Islands In The Stream” together.
Their Last Collaboration
Their official last collaboration was Maddie’s music video for “One That Got Away,” where Caleb made an appearance. That video was released on May 24, 2022.
While we are sad they didn’t work out, we’re happy to see that Maddie is happy!
Watch it below.