Maddie Poppe had the honor of singing the National Anthem before the IndyCar race at Iowa Speedway on Sunday (July 23)
However, the photos she posted proved to be controversial for some of her fans.
“Such an honor to have been asked to sing the national anthem @hyvee @indycar weekend!” Maddie captioned an instagram post. “And an even bigger thrill to bump into my pal @kimreynoldsia ??” She continued, “And btw @hyvee while I’ve got you here, bring back the chicken noodle casserole dish that used to be on the buffet, it’s too good to discontinue.”
No. Fans did not take issue with Maddie’s plea to grocery store Hy-Vee to please bring back the chicken noodle casserole. It was posing with and calling “friend” Kim Reynolds, the Republican governor of the singer-songwriter’s home state, Iowa.
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Fans speak out against Maddie’s “friendship” with Governor Reynolds
dford627 wrote: “Nice you got to sing the anthem, but sorry, your “pal” Kim Reynolds needs to go!” MadMadworldd1 replied, “Exactly I’m sure she’s nice a person to talk to but everything she stands for is awful. I don’t understand how anyone can work so hard to bash and destroy public schools.” dford627 answered, “Exactly! Worst. Governor. Ever.” Later, MadMadworldd1 posted, “Not Kim Maddie, she’s terrible for the state.”
Tessanneyocom didn’t mince words, “Your pal is a fascist, Maddie.”
maileyanderson_ wrote, “Not kimmy the drunk driver. Never unfollowed so fast.” Savannahkabance posted, “Not Kim being your pal” Bedsb1984 asked, “Your pal?” and liz_Michaelson wrote, “Nah not kimmy.”
However, not everyone was mad about it. michellegrelllarue posted, “Two of my favorite people.”
Currently Kim Reynolds is working hard to outlaw abortion in the state after the Supreme Court struck down Roe vs Wade. Reynolds spoke at former president Trump’s Iowa campaign rally last year, and doesn’t refute his insistence that the election was stolen from him. She was arrested for drunk driving back in 2000. She is running for Governor again this year, and is likely to win.
Maddie poses with The Voice alums Cam Anthony and Emma Caroline
The fourth photo in the series featured Maddie posing with The Voice season 21 winner, Cam Anthony, and season 20 singer Emma Caroline. Both competed on Team Blake Shelton. Blake and his wife Gwen Stefani were in town to perform a for a pre-race concert. According to Cam’s instastory, he performed his debut single “Keep it Between Us.”
Maddie doesn’t back down
The thing about Maddie, is that she says what she says and doesn’t back down. It’s not the first time the singer upset fans over politics. A few years ago Maddie liked transphobic and ultra-right wing posts from a couple of Q Anon adherents. Instead of deleting, she doubled down on her actions.
She also didn’t back down from a fight with fellow American Idol season 16 alums Gabby Barrett and her husband Cade Foehner. After Cade praised his wife at what Maddie considered her own expense, all hell broke loose between several alums from that season and beyond. Gabby’s father even butted into the argument.
Maddie also upset some fans after she and Caleb posted about hanging out with a “cancelled” influencer.
Maddie is currently on tour. Check out her concert dates HERE. She and season 20 singer Fritz Hager will open for another season 20 alum Leah Marlene at her hometown show in Normal, Illinois. Fritz will also open for Maddie on the west coast.
