American Idol Winner Announced With A Surprise Twist

In a surprise twist, the finale of ABC’s “American Idol” Season 16 on Monday night turned into a fairy tale. Toward the end of the episode, the top two finalists — Caleb Lee Hutchinson, 19, and Maddie Poppe, 20 — revealed that they’re dating.

The rumors had been circulating.  Hutchinson, a country crooner from Georgia, and Poppe, an indie/folk singer from Iowa, made it official in front of millions of TV viewers.

“Well, you know, Maddie’s like my best pal,” he said. “I’ve known her since the beginning of Hollywood Week, and you know, she, uh — she actually happens to be my girlfriend.”

Seacrest announced. “We’re sending you, our official top two, on a vacation to Hawaii. The Aulani resort, a one-of-a-kind Disney experience in Hawaii. Congratulations!” Viewers were then treated to photos of the resort.