Maddie Poppe

Maddie Poppe is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, widely recognized as the winner of the sixteenth season of American Idol, her journey from independent artist to national television success has established her as a prominent figure in indie pop and folk music. After winning the sixteenth season of American Idol on May 20, 2018, Maddie Poppe quickly established herself as a prominent figure in indie pop and folk music. Her audition, featuring ‘Rainbow Connection’ and her original song ‘Don’t Ever Let Your Children Grow Up,’ captivated judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan, who praised her storytelling voice and distinctive quality. Throughout the competition, Poppe delivered acclaimed performances, with her rendition of ‘Homeward Bound’ drawing comparisons to Joni Mitchell from Katy Perry.

Following her American Idol triumph, Poppe released her second studio album, ‘Whirlwind,’ on May 17, 2019, through Hollywood Records and 19 Recordings. The album garnered attention with singles such as ‘Made You Miss,’ which successfully reached number 21 on the US Adult Top 40 chart, and ‘Not Losing You,’ which peaked at number 26. In 2019, she joined acclaimed artist Ingrid Michaelson for ‘The Dramatic Tour,’ further expanding her touring presence. Demonstrating her versatile artistry, Poppe then released her independent holiday EP, ‘Christmas From Home,’ in November 2020.

Her enduring impact and widespread appeal were recognized with the People’s Choice Award for Competition Contestant of 2018 and the Talent Recap Fan Choice Award for Favorite Reality TV Competition Contestant of 2018. Consistently touring and releasing new music, Poppe continues to engage her dedicated fanbase and attract new listeners with her distinctive sound. Her commitment to independent artistry, showcased through annual holiday tours and a steady stream of acclaimed singles, solidifies her position as a compelling and evolving voice in contemporary indie pop and folk music.