Here's why 'American Idol' really did have the happiest ending

    Kylie Mar
    Host & Producer, Yahoo Entertainment

    The American Idol grand finale aired Monday night, and it was full of surprises! Halfway through the night, Caleb Lee Hutchinson and Maddie Poppe were revealed as the top two finalists. Gabby Barrett’s being eliminated wasn’t the big surprise, however.

    Before Hutchison and Poppe performed “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” together as the top two, Ryan Seacrest asked Hutchinson if there was a special significance to the number when he sings to Poppe. Hutchinson replied, “Well, you know, Maddie is like my best pal, and I’ve known her since the beginning of Hollywood week. She actually happens to be my girlfriend.” The entire audience, including judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, cheered, as everyone was pleasantly surprised by their secret romance. Hutchinson and Maddie’s surprise announcement was the sweetest moment of the night, and it made their top two duet even more special. But while the two said it didn’t really matter to them who won, only one could be the American Idol, and that winner is Maddie Poppe!

    To mark her victory, Poppe gave an emotional performance of her new single “Going Going Gone” but struggled to finish because of her overwhelming happiness. Luckily, she had some help from her new friends (and boyfriend) as the top 10 and the judges joined her to celebrate on stage.

    The American Idol season finale aired Monday at 9 p.m. on ABC. Watch clips and full episodes of American Idol for free on Yahoo View.

    Check out Katy Perry labeling the first round of the final ‘Idol’ performances “a disaster”:

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