Every Winner of 'American Idol,' Ranked in Popularity From Lowest to Highest

 brought together some of the show's brightest lights and most celebrated stars for Monday's «Great Reunion» special, celebrating the show's 20-year history. ET was at the star-studded event, and spoke with some of the alums about their most memorable moments from their journeys.Justin Guarini — who finished as the runner-up behind Kelly Clarkson during the show's first season -- spoke with ET's Matt Cohen about returning to thestage, and how it felt.«Being back on the stage — that looks nothing like the stage that I was on by the way, they put a little budget into it this year and the years since I've been on it -- it's amazing to be back and see that the energy hasn't changed,» Guarini shared.«My favorite memory from my time on has to be my very first performance that I did live on television, because we didn't really know if [the show] was going to be anything,» he recalled.

American Idol is a superstar-making machine, and it’s proven profitable for many of its participants, too.

, and Katy Perry once again pulled out all the stops. The pop star and judge kept up her tradition of rocking an elaborate costume for the occasion — and this year's might be the most cumbersome of them all.Perry decided to go as Ariel, from, but took it a step father than one usually would with an Ariel costume.

reports.In a statement to ET, Louisiana State University said that Hardy was arrested and booked for «violation of 15:1303-- Interception and Disclosure of Wire, Electronic, or Oral Communication.» Hardy allegedly placed a recording device in his ex-girlfriend's dorm room at LSU, , who obtained the singer's arrest warrant, reports.Hardy responded to the allegations on Twitter, writing, «Earlier today, I received a warrant due to allegations made against me and have been fully cooperative with the Louisiana State University Police Department.»«I understand that my career has thrust me into the public spotlight, and I embrace that wholeheartedly as my entire world belongs to my music and my fans,» he wrote. «However, due to the sensitive nature of this allegation, I humbly ask for privacy at this time.

being charged with planting a listening device in his ex-girlfriend’s living quarters at Louisiana State University.The country crooner, 21, was taken into custody after his former flame found the voice recorder at her campus accommodation this month. The female student is not named in the booking document released Friday by the 19th Judicial District Court in East Baton Rouge — but the report does state that she dated Hardy between November 2021 and February 2022. The “Memorize You” singer has been notoriously private about his personal life and did not debut a girlfriend during those dates.The singing sensation has kept tight-lipped about his dating life since winning “American Idol” back in 2019.

Another American Idol alum has found themselves in some major legal trouble.

Ellise Shafer Country singer Laine Hardy, who won “American Idol” in 2019, was arrested on Friday by the Louisiana State University Police Department for allegedly planting a listening device in his ex-girlfriend’s dorm roomLSU spokesman Ernie Ballard confirmed to Variety that 21-year-old Hardy, who is not a student at LSU, was arrested on Friday on a felony charge of interception and disclosure of wire, electronic or oral communication. Hardy has been booked in the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.The Associated Press reported that Hardy’s ex-girlfriend and her roommate found the alleged listening device, which looked like a phone charger, in their dorm room on April 6. She reported it to LSUPD the next day, and officers noted in a police affidavit acquired by the AP that they found recordings from a 10 day span in February.

"American Idol" winner Laine Hardy was arrested Friday, accused of planting a listening device in his ex-girlfriend’s dorm room in Louisiana, according to authorities. He surrendered to the LSU Police Department and was booked into the East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. Hardy is not a student at the school.

Lane Reed Hardy, known professionally as Laine Hardy, was arrested and booked by Louisiana State Police today for secretly recording his ex-girlfriend, an LSU student, Deadline has confirmed. Hardy, who does not attend the university, is most notably known for winning the honors on the 17th season of .

American Idol‘s Laine Hardy is speaking out after he was issued an arrest warrant.

confirmed Thursday that he was under criminal investigation by the LSU Police Department, but did not disclose any further information. On Friday morning, however, sources familiar with the case told WAFB-TV that the probe centers around allegations that Hardy was spying on the unnamed female student.

Thursday night Facebook post, saying the LSUPD issued “a warrant due to allegations made against me.”The country crooner did not specify what he was accused of but noted he was “fully cooperative” with cops as more than 12,000 of his fans posted reactions and messages of support.“I understand that my career has thrust me into the public spotlight, and I embrace that wholeheartedly as my entire world belongs to my music and my fans,” wrote Hardy, who won season 17 of ABC’s “Idol” in 2019 and is known for his hits “Memorize You” and “Flame.”.His post continued, “However, due to the sensitive nature of this allegation, I humbly ask for privacy at this time. I have the utmost respect for the law and will assist in their investigation as needed moving forward.”The Baton Rouge-based authorities and university representatives told The Post they can “confirm there is an active investigation with LSU Police” and they “may be able to provide more information later today.”Hardy’s reps told The Post they could not comment on the “pending investigation.”However, his attorney C.

Laine Hardy, the winner of American Idol‘s 17th season, is speaking out in a statement after a warrant was issued against him.

judges Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson are reuniting for the singing competition's landmark 20th season. They are returning to the judges' table for the special reunion episode airing Monday, May 2, and only ET has the exclusive first look at the duo back in action.Abdul and Jackson served as Idol judges together for the franchise's first eight seasons, from 2002 to 2009.

Randy Jackson is reflecting on the legacy of , 20 years after the singing competition series premiered. ET's Kevin Frazier spoke to Jackson about the show and what it means to have it still on air today.«We did it from the beginning, before anybody knew the show would be a success, so, when people all talk about — you know success has many fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers,» Jackson began before giving props to the show's current judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.«I just tip my hat off to the show and to the legacy of the brand, and Katy, Lionel, and Luke, you guys are killing the game trying to keep it alive.

Katy Perry has often had moments of hilarity on American Idol, but on the show's latest episode, an unexpected moment ended up a little more awkward for her than expected.MORE: Katy Perry leaves viewers stunned in whimsical green pantsuit live on American IdolThe latest live episode of the show on Monday night featured the Judge's Song Contest, a segment where each contestant was anonymously given a song chosen by the judges and the song they'd perform would net that judge a point.VIDEO: Katy Perry's husband Orlando Bloom cuts a turkey on ThanksgivingFor contestant Noah Thompson, he was given a choice of three songs, two of which ended up being by John Mayer and one by John Denver.While he initially leaned toward the John Denver song, he ended up opting for the John Mayer track Heartbreak Warfare, delivering a performance that impressed the judges.MORE: Katy Perry updates fans with baby number two newsHowever, the moment quickly turned slightly uncomfortable when Ryan Seacrest asked Noah who he thought chose the song, and he picked Katy, unaware of her history with the singer-songwriter, having been in an on-and-off relationship with him.She quickly tried to figure out how to react as the audience let out a few knowing chuckles.

Noah Thompson bets it all on his new song choice on “American Idol”.

American Idol judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie had a hilarious moment on the show's latest installment, puncturing an emotional moment with a comedic one.MORE: Lionel Richie left in tears by emotional American Idol auditionThe country star seemed to have quite the strong reaction to contestant Leah Marlene's performance on the new live episode on Sunday night.VIDEO: Luke Bryan calls on fans to help him after ‘losing money’ in Las VegasFollowing her incredible routine, the judges praised her for her transformation over the course of the competition, with Luke in particular glowing with pride."The beauty of this show and why it works year after year is watching what is happening to you right now," he said to Leah.MORE: Katy Perry talks disagreements with American Idol judges Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie"It's really emotional for me and us to watch you grow and come out of your deal.

American Idol star Luke Bryan has thrown fuel on the ongoing joke feud between himself and Blake Shelton, by naming himself the "better farmer".MORE: Luke Bryan booed on American Idol over divisive critiquesBlake owns land in Oklahoma and Luke planted crops during the pandemic in Tennessee, but the 'One Margarita' hitmaker has now claimed Blake is "pretending farming," while speaking to Ty Bentli on Apple Music Country's The Ty Bentli Show, released on Friday 22 April.WATCH: Luke Bryan shares helpful farming tip with fans"I mean, he's just putting out like wild grasses — stuff that literally will grow on Mars," he continued. "I'm actually planting stuff that human beings can enjoy.