Maddie Poppe mesmerized the judges with her performance of “Homeward Bound” by Simon & Garfunkel during the Top 14 round. Luke Bryan lauded the expert blending of her modal voice and falsetto, showing her expertise and maturity as a musician, while Katy Perry compared her to the legendary Joni Mitchell.
Before the American Idol finale, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds proclaimed May 20, 2018, as “Maddie Poppe Day” in honor of her achievements. Poppe gave a captivating performance of her winning song, “Going Going Gone,” which was written by Mitch Allan, Lindy Robbins, and Julia Michaels, on the show’s finale night.
Katy Perry performed a cover of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide” after which she declared her support for Poppe in the media.
Poppe was announced as the winner of American Idol at the results show, which aired on May 21. Caleb Lee Hutchinson came in second and Gabby Barrett came in third. Hutchinson admitted that he and Poppe were dating on the show, which increased the suspense.
Poppe’s triumph was a crucial turning point because she was the first Caucasian woman to win since Carrie Underwood in the fourth season and the first female winner since Candice Glover in the twelfth.
Where is Maddie Poppe from?
Where did Maddie Poppe go to school? Trent and Tonya Poppe’s daughter Maddie was born in Clarksville, Iowa. Poppe enjoyed singing for her family when she was young, but she didn’t start performing until middle school. She graduated from Clarksville High School in 2016 and then went on to Iowa Central Community College before transferring to Hawkeye Community College to further her education.