‘American Idol’ Winner Laine Hardy Exits Record Label

It’s a new musical chapter for Laine Hardy, who has exited his record label. The Season 17 winner of American Idol shared the news in a statement posted on social media.

“I was just 17 years old when I first tried out for American Idol, and at the time, I couldn’t have ever imagined where I was headed,” Hardy wrote. “Since then, I’ve been able to tour across America, play for our troops in Asia, and make new fans in Europe. I had to grow up quickly and I am still learning more about myself every day.

“The teams at 19 Entertainment and Disney Music Group have given me so much support and guidance, and I will forever be grateful,” he continued. “And now it’s time for me to take my career in a new direction and I am figuring that out. Stay tuned for what’s coming next.”

Hardy released one album, Here’s To Anyone, in 2021, two years after being crowned the American Idol champion.

“This album is for the lineworker who stops to ‘grab some night crawlers and a cold drink’ to cast a line off the bank before heading home,” Hardy said at the time. “This album is for the plumber who is always up to talk ‘college football or white tails or bird dogs’ to any stranger who lends an ear. It’s for the blue collar, George Jones lovin’, clock out and head to the river, peanuts in a coke people or ‘anyone who knows about that.’”

In April, Hardy was placed under arrest by the Louisiana State University police department, after being charged with placing a recording device in the dorm room of an ex-girlfriend. Hardy vowed to cooperate fully with authorities at the time.

“I understand that my career has thrust me into the public spotlight, and I embrace that wholeheartedly as my entire world belongs to my music and my fans,” the singer said at the time. “However, due to the sensitive nature of this allegation, I humbly ask for privacy at this time. I have the utmost respect for the law and will assist in their investigation as needed moving forward.”

After remaining silent on social media for a while, Hardy has since returned, posting clips of songs on Instagram, including “Me Meeting You,” “Rope Swing,” and most recently, “That Man,” which he wrote with Kylie Sackley and Grant Vogel.

Keep track of updates at LaineHardyMusic.com.