‘American Idol’ Contestant Arrested For Sex With Minor, Faces 6 Felonies
Another American Idol alum is in serious legal trouble. That’s not the kind of PR the show needs leading up to a new season. The former contestant was allegedly caught having sex with a minor and is facing multiple felonies. Keep reading for the shocking details on the arrest.
American Idol Contestant Arrested For Sex With Minor
Carrie Underwood made her triumphant return to the show that launched her into stardom last season. She joined Season 23 of American Idol as a judge to help lead other aspiring singers to success. Her return was a huge success. After speculation about Season 24, it was finally confirmed that she will return as a judge for the new season. She joins longtime judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan at the table.
Years before the show moved from ABC to Fox, Randy Madden auditioned for the show in Phoenix, Arizona, in Season 8. He performed Bon Jovi’s hit song “Livin’ On a Prayer.” Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi were the judges that season.
Randy Madden received a no from all of them and was sent home. The contestant was never heard from again until his headline-making arrest. TMZ reported on Tuesday, November 4, that the American Idol alum had been arrested the day before on very serious charges.
He allegedly had sex with an underage girl on at least one occasion over the summer. He was arrested in Ventura City, California, and put in jail. However, the American Idol contestant paid the $100,000 bond and was released.
Facing Multiple Felonies
Randy Madden, 45, was hit with six felonies after his arrest. He was charged with oral copulation of a person under 18 and unlawful sexual intercourse. But that’s not the worst of it. The other charges hint at what might have allegedly happened between the American Idol alum and the underage girl.
TMZ revealed that Randy Madden was also charged with anal and genital penetration by a foreign object, sending harmful matter and luring. He was also charged with dissuading a witness from reporting a crime. The exact age of the minor wasn’t in the report. The victim filed a criminal protective order.
Randy Madden appeared in court via Zoom and pleaded not guilty to all of the felony charges. His next court date is on Thursday, November 13.
#Exclusive 🚨 Former “American Idol” contestant Randy Madden has been arrested for allegedly having sex with a minor. https://t.co/RyTHLVQZpz pic.twitter.com/cHkomaYRcE
— TMZ (@TMZ) November 4, 2025
Most people who read the article don’t even remember him on American Idol. However, many took issue with the wording in the headline. One reader pointed out, ‘Having sex’ is consensual among adults,this is rape.”
Another comment said, “You can’t “have sex” WITH A MINOR!!!! Stop saying that stupid shit! He was arrested for RAPING a child.”
PEOPLE magazine looked through Randy Madden’s social media activity and discovered that he is disabled after serious motorcycle accident in 2023. He created a GoFundMe to help him cover living expenses like rent and utilities.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673.)
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