The rumors are true! After weeks of social media speculation that “American Idol” season 24 contestants Rae Boyd and Brooks Rosser were dating behind the scenes of the show, the couple confirmed their romance during the live episode on April 20, 2026.
Ryan Seacrest Welcomed Rae Back to ‘American Idol’ to Spill the News
It’s not clear when their romance began, but both Rae, 25, and Brooks, 23, are from Maryland. He’s from Bel Air, while she is from Frederick County — less than 90 minutes apart.
Rae was eliminated from the competition a week earlier, when live voting narrowed down the field from the Top 11 to the Top 9. Her beau made it through, though, and performed “The Climb,” featured in “Hannah Montana: The Movie,”during the April 20 Disney Night show. By the end of the night he learned he’d advanced again, into the Top 7.
But after Brooks received feedback on his performance from judges Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie, and Carrie Underwood — as well as guest mentor and judge Jennifer Hudson — host Ryan Seacrest asked Brooks a curious question.
“Did you connect with anybody [on the show]?” he asked a blushing Brooks. “I hear you’re a real Prince Charming!”
Brooks, who’s been notoriously shy on-camera, having never performed anywhere before “American Idol,” sheepishly said, “Oh god. I have to say it?” Seacrest then exclaimed, “Somebody’s here to surprise you. She’s really excited. Rae, one of the biggest Brooks fans!”
The stage door behind them rose up to reveal Rae, who bounded out toward them. After embracing Brooks, she declared, “The princess is here to claim her prince!”
After the show, Rae posted a pic in her Instagram Stories of Brooks wearing a toy crown as she kissed him on the cheek. Her sister posted a video of the adorable hard launch and wrote, “So glad I don’t have to keep that secret anymore!!”
‘American Idol’ Fans Have Been Speculating for Weeks About a Possible Romance
Rae and Brooks’ confirmation of their romance didn’t come as a surprise to everyone. Many fans have been speculating online about the two, noticing a special spark between them in behind the scenes vidoes.
The duo have posted several videos of duets, including one on April 3 that drew lots of comments from fans who swooned over the way Brooks gazed at Rae as she sang.
“The way he looks at you…” one fan wrote in the comments, drawing hundreds of likes and supportive comments, including another fan who chimed in, “came here to see if anyone else noticed how they looked at one another 👀😍”
As Brooks continues in the competition, he’ll perform next on Monday, April 27, when the contestants choose songs from Taylor Swift’s catalog of hits.
