The news was surely surprising, as it was the first time in American Idol history the prior season’s champ didn’t perform in the finale.
The news was said to be especially devastating to Poppe, who had timed the release of her album to drop days before the finale.
So, why wasn’t Maddie Poppe invited to perform?
Variety cites an inside source saying that when the Season 16 winner reached out to inquire about performing, she was told the entire finale was booked.