The Season 24 contestants became one of the show’s unexpected love stories after Brooks Rosser and Rae Boyd confirmed during the Disney Night episode on April 20 that they are indeed dating, ending weeks of fan speculation about their on-screen chemistry.
The romance rumors first began building after the pair posted a duet on Instagram of Stephen Sanchez’s “Until I Found You,” which quickly went viral among American Idol viewers. Fans praised their natural chemistry and vocal blend, with the clip eventually surpassing 1 million views and becoming one of the most talked-about moments outside the competition.
That buzz carried into the live shows, where Rae—who had already been eliminated the previous week—returned to the stage to support Brooks during his Top 9 performance of “The Climb” from Hannah Montana: The Movie. Before the surprise reunion, host Ryan Seacrest lightly teased Brooks about his off-stage connection.
“Did you connect with anybody [on the show]?” Seacrest asked. “I hear you’re a real Prince Charming!”
Clearly caught off guard, Brooks laughed nervously, responding, “Oh God… I have to say it?”
Seacrest then revealed the surprise: Rae Boyd was returning to the stage. The audience erupted as Rae ran out and hugged Brooks, congratulating him on his performance.
The moment quickly turned emotional—and official—when Seacrest asked Rae directly about their relationship status. With confidence and a smile, she confirmed the romance in front of the live audience, saying, “The princess is here to claim her prince!”
The comment instantly sent the studio into cheers, with contestants and judges reacting in surprise to the public confirmation of their relationship.
Rae’s appearance also marked a rare return after elimination, as she had exited the competition just one week earlier. Despite her departure, her connection with Brooks remained a major talking point among fans throughout the season.
Following the reveal, viewers revisited their viral Instagram duet of “Until I Found You,” which many credited as the first moment their chemistry became undeniable.
The couple’s story adds an unexpected romantic twist to Season 24, where competition and connection have increasingly overlapped as the show heads into its final stages.
Brooks Rosser remains in the competition, having advanced alongside Hannah Harper, Keyla Richardson, Jordan McCullough, Chris Tungseth, Braden Rumfelt, and Daniel Stallworth, while Kyndal Inskeep and Lucas Leon were eliminated in the latest results.
If Brooks continues in the competition, he is expected to perform on the upcoming Taylor Swift Night, with Rae likely continuing to cheer him on from the audience.
