Laine Hardy

Laine Hardy was a contestant on the 16th season of 'American Idol' in 2018 when he was a 17-year-old high school student. He sang 'Hurricane' by Band of Heathens and impressed judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry. He was a finalist that year and then returned to win the 17th season in May 2019. He closed the show with his new single 'Flame'.

Laine started playing in the Band Hardy with his cousins at 14 and was heavily influenced by country music. In 2018 he released his first EP 'In the Bayou', recorded in Nashville with country singer Jamie O'Neal.