Maddie Poppe Dishes On Past Hardships, Performs 'Made You Miss'

American Idol winner Maddie Poppe sits down with Zito & Kera to talk about her recent success and new music!

Maddie had previously auditioned for The Voice as a senior in high school, but ultimately failed to get a chair turn from the judges. That early failure didn't discourage her, however.

"It makes me that much more grateful to have had the American Idol experience."

In our exclusive interview, Maddie reflects on the hardships she faced before reaching American Idol.

"There were producers in LA who found my songs and wanted to work with me," Maddie shares. But those plans fell through. "There are so many empty promises."

Maddie also treats us to a performance of the first song she ever wrote, titled "Gone In The Middle."

"It's the worst lyrics," she admits of the song she wrote in third grade. "It's so nerdy."

"Feeling like you're lonely, left out. Go away, want to scream and shout out. Drifting petals touch your heart and they tell you what you're supposed to do."

"I was really an inspirational kid," Maddie jokes. "It makes no sense. I was like, 'I've gotta be edgy,' you know."

Watch the full interview below!

Check out all the photos below!