‘American Idol’ Romances — PICS

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Maddie Poppe & Caleb Lee Hutchinson

Maddie Poppe & Caleb Lee Hutchinson — For the contestants in this gallery, ‘American Idol’ turned out to be about more than just singing! Some stars of the show over the years have struck up romances during or after their time on the reality competition series. During the show’s season 16 finale in 2018, finalists Maddie Popee and Caleb Lee Hutchinson shocked viewers by revealing that they had secretly been dating for most of the season. But no one had ANY idea until finale night! Caleb shared the news with viewers toward the end of the finale, and then, the pair performed a duet of ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’ during the live show. Their chemistry was totally evident during the performance, especially when they grabbed hands at the end to show off their love. Maddie wound up being named the winner, with Caleb finishing as runner-up, and their romance has been going strong ever since. Click through the gallery to check out more ‘American Idol’ love stories!

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Kat Luna & Alejandro “Space Cowboy” Garrido

Kat Luna & Alejandro “Space Cowboy” Garrido — Kat Luna and Alejandro “Space Cowboy” Garrido on American Idol.

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Jonny West & Margie Mays

Jonny West & Margie Mays — Jonny West and Margie Mays were already a longtime couple when they both auditioned for season 18 of ‘American Idol’, which aired in 2020. They performer together during Hollywood Week, but while Jonny thrived, Margie did not impress the judges enough to make the next round. Instead, she was his biggest cheerleader as the competition continued!

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Gabby Barrett & Cade Foehner

Gabby Barrett & Cade Foehner — Another ‘American Idol’ romance from season 16 was between Cade Foehner and Gabby Barrett. Their romance was speculated about halfway through the season, and they confirmed the rumors as the weeks went on. They dated for about one year before getting engaged in March 2019, then tying the knot in October of that year.

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Casey Abrams & Haley Reinhart

Casey Abrams & Haley Reinhart — Casey Abrams and Haley Reinhart both competed on season 10 of ‘American Idol.’ Throughout the season, there were rumors that the two were romantically involved, but Casey shut the reports down after being eliminated from the show. However, the pair stayed very close friends after their time on the show ended.

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Kelly Clarkson & Justin Guarini

Kelly Clarkson & Justin Guarini — Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini were the winner and runner-up of ‘American Idol’s first season. During the show, there was speculation that the two were dating. However, it wasn’t until 13 years later, in 2015, that Kelly confirmed on ‘WWHL’ that the two had a relationship AFTER they were on ‘Idol.’ “We did date a little bit,” she admitted. “I think any two people who were thrown together that much…you can’t fight it!”

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Ace Young & Diana DeGarmo

Ace Young & Diana DeGarmo — Ace Young and Diana DeGarmo were on different season of ‘American Idol,’ and actually didn’t meet until they both appeared in ‘Hair’ on Broadway in 2010. During the live ‘American Idol’ finale in 2012, Ace proposed to Diana. They were married on June 1, 2013.

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Amelia Hammer Harris & Taylor John Williams

Amelia Hammer Harris & Taylor John Williams — Amelia Hammer Harris & Taylor John Williams were both on season 18 of ‘American Idol.’ They started dating shortly after they both auditioned for the show. “It was very unexpected,” she admitted to GoodHousekeeping.com. “We became friends the first day of Hollywood Week. At first, were were just good friends and it was a very organic friendship. I really connected [with him], so we’re taking it past ‘Idol’ into the real world.”

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David Cook & Kimberly Caldwell

David Cook & Kimberly Caldwell — David Cook, who won season 7 of ‘American Idol,’ had a crush on season 2 finalist, Kimberly Caldwell, and publicly asked her out during the red carpet of his season’s finale in 2008. They went onto date for several months, but called it quits at the beginning of 2009.

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