Laine Hardy: 5 Things To Know About ‘American Idol’ Winner Arrested Over Claims He Bugged Ex’s Room

Laine Hardy says he’s being ‘fully cooperative’ with Louisiana Police amid the arrest and allegations. Here’s more to know about him.

Laine Hardy, 21, has been arrested in Louisiana over claims bugged his ex-girlfriends dorm room. The American Idol alum was first arrested by on-campus police at Louisiana State University on Friday, April 29. Per the warrant, police responded to a call on April 7 at the school’s Azalea Hall after the woman found a recording device. She said she dated Laine from Nov. 2021 to Feb. 2022.

“Lane Reed Hardy (Non-LSU student) was arrested by LSU Police today and booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison for violation of 15:1303 — Interception and Disclosure of Wire, Electronic, or Oral Communication,” the department said in a statement to HollywoodLife. “His arrest warrant has been filed with clerk of court.”

In a statement shared to Facebook, Hardy says that he’s being “fully cooperative” with authorities. “Earlier today, I received a warrant due to allegations made against me and have been fully cooperative with the Louisiana State University Police Department,” he wrote. “I understand that my career has thrust me into the public spotlight, and I embrace that wholeheartedly as my entire world belongs to my music and my fans,” Laine also said.

“However, due to the sensitive nature of this allegation, I humbly ask for privacy at this time. I have the utmost respect for the law and will assist in their investigation as needed moving forward,” he signed off. Learn more about the winner of American Idol‘s season 17 here.

1. He didn’t intentionally audition for American Idol.

Laine actually showed up to the season 17 auditions strictly to play guitar for his friend, Ashton Gill, who was auditioning for the show for the first time. However, the judges remembered him from the previous season, and asked him to sing a tune himself. Back in 2016, he was sent home during the final judgment.

The following year, judges were impressed by his growth and gave him the Golden Ticket to Hollywood, which he accepted. Unfortunately, Ashton was eliminated during Hollywood Week, but Laine continued to impress the judges, leading  had the ultimate comeback story — because he won the show.

Laine was up against Madison VanDenburg and Alejandro Aranda in the finale. Madison was eliminated in third place, and Laine received the majority of viewer votes to beat out the talented Alejandro for the win. He closed out the show by performing his debut single, “Flame,” as confetti fell from the sky and the entire crowd went wild.

2. He released his first EP in 2018.

Laine released his EP, In The Bayou, in 2018. The record features three songs: “Hurricane,” “Louisiana Lady” and “In The Bayou.” He also dropped a song called “Blue Christmas” ahead of the holidays in 2018.

3. He also has a band.

In 2016, Laine created the group The Band Hardy with other musicians from Louisiana, where he’s from.

4. He’s from Baton Rouge.

Laine was born on September 12, 2000 to parents Cindy Lou Hardy and Barry Hardy in Baton Rouge, LA. He was later raised east of Baton Rouge in Livingston, and attended French Settlement High School.

5. He had a style makeover on American Idol.

Laine shocked the judges when he showed up to his Showcase Round performance in a suit, with his hair slicked back. It was a much different look from the baseball cap, jeans and t-shirt we previously saw him wear throughout the show! Clearly, Laine is taking this very seriously, and is willing to do whatever it takes to make himself a well-rounded performer.