American Idol Winner Maddie Poppe on Her Debut Album, Meeting Kermit and That 'Awkward' Finale Hand Holding

martin

8 years ago

We all know Maddie Poppe can sing and play guitar — she is ABC’s first-ever American Idol winner, after all — but did you know she also boasts a secret third talent?

Monday’s Idol finale, beginning with her duet of “Rainbow Connection” with none other than Kermit the Frog.

“I know Kermit’s a huge deal, but this puppet is, like, legendary,” Poppe recalled. “I mean, they came in with this box, and they put a black tarp over him before he’s in action so that no one can see him. You’re not allowed to touch him. Only one person can adjust him. It’s very funny how into it they are. … But meeting the people behind the scenes was awesome. If you met those people on the street, you’d have no idea he was the voice of Kermit.”

Poppe also had to remain cool during her performance with Caleb Lee Hutchinson, which became all the more uncomfortable when host Ryan Seacrest revealed that the two are dating.