American Idol season 20 contestant Fritz Hager revealed whether or not he is dating fellow contestant Leah Marlene. Both contestants were early fan-favorites, playing similar styles of music that included original songs. Their chemistry was first on display when they were paired up for the Duets round of Hollywood Week. They performed a unique rendition of "Locked Out Of Heaven" by Bruno Mars, which received rave reviews from the judges and the other contestants sitting in the audience.
In the latest episode, Fritz and Leah were among the five remaining finalists to be mentored by American Idol season 4 winner Carrie Underwood in Las Vegas. Carrie guided Leah through her rehearsal of "I'll Stand By You" by The Pretenders. Carrie reminded fans that she sang that song during one of the Idol Gives Back specials during the show's original run on FOX. Fritz covered the NEEDTOBREATHE song "I Wanna Remember," featuring Carrie. Fritz and Leah once again made unconventional song choices, unlike the other finalists, who took on more well-known Carrie hits. However, Fritz was one of the two finalists to be eliminated. While Leah had just been named a Top 3 finalist, she was very emotional over Fritz's departure.
Fritz addressed the ongoing rumor that he and Leah are more than just friends. When asked by Hollywood Life if this is the case, he replied, “Oh, no. No. She’s like my sister. She’s great...We’ve been in this competition together, working together since Hollywood Week, and to get this far with her is special.” Shortly after the live American Idol Top 5 episode aired, Fritz shared his feelings on being sent home via Instagram, with a picture of him and Leah.
Fritz also detailed the emotional moment he and Leah shared on stage following the Idol results. Leah literally fell to the ground upon hearing her name called and then got up to hug him. Fritz said, “I just told her I was proud of her...I told her I love her [and] that I’m proud of her. I am so excited to see what’s next from her. I really believe in her. I think she could go all the way. Anyone that voted for me this week needs to vote for Leah.” Nicolina Bozzo, the other eliminated contestant, watched as she didn't receive hugs from either of them.
It's extremely common for American Idol fans to wonder what's going on between the contestants. Even this season, fans were certain that Top 20 finalist Cameron Whitcomb and Top 14 finalist Ava Maybee were a couple; a segment detailing how they are best friends led to that speculation. In the American Idol season 16 finale, runner-up Caleb Lee Hutchinson and winner Maddie Poppe revealed that they were dating. Almost exactly 10 years ago, season 5 Top 7 finalist Ace Young proposed to season 3 runner-up Diana DeGarmo during the live season 11 finale. Many season 20 viewers were hoping that Leah and Fritz would be the Top 2 finalists, regardless of whether or not they were dating. Although Fritz is out of the competition, Leah could be named the next American Idol in less than one week.
American Idol airs Sundays at 8 p.m. EDT on ABC.
Sources: Hollywood Life, Fritz Hager/Instagram