American Idol Winner Laine Hardy Tests Positive for Coronavirus

American Idol winner Laine Hardy tested positive for the coronavirus, he announced via Facebook and Instagram story on June 21. As noted by The Advocate, he sang the “National Anthem” at swearing-in ceremonies in Louisana on June 19 and June 13.

“This wasn’t what I expected on the first day of summer. My doctor confirmed I have Coronavirus, but my symptoms are mild and I’m home recovering in quarantine. Y’all stay safe & healthy!” he wrote, as noted by People magazine.

The post garnered more than 23,000 reactions from his fans on Facebook, as hundreds shared the post and flooded the comments section. Most fans wished for him to get well soon and to have a quick recovery.

Hardy Has Been Sharing His Music Virtually

Days before he revealed his positive diagnosis, Hardy announced he would be releasing some new music, sharing acoustic versions of his songs “Ground I Grew Up On” and “Let There Be Country.”

“Y’all have shown these two songs a ton of support and it means so much to me. So to say thanks I’m releasing the acoustic versions of both songs next Friday (6/26) and bringing back the #vTour to celebrate with shows on 6/25 and 7/9 🎟️ You can get your tickets now,” he wrote on June 18. Hardy didn’t say if he would be canceling his live streams amid his diagnosis.

Though the coronavirus pandemic put a stop to concerts, Hardy, who won Season 17 of American Idol, shared has had several “stops” on his virtual music tour, which has garnered more ahn 2 million views, according to the Associated Press.

He told People magazine it’s been fun, where he sang his performed his new songs and did covers from Elvis and Bill Withers. “We’ve had tons of people watching the virtual shows and get to answer questions from everyone tuning in from all over the world,” he told the publication.

“It’s definitely different than being on the road,” he continued. “It’s a great way to connect with my fans. I’m really happy to be able to connect with them in that way. It’s really different. I’ve never done it before. Right when I first started, it was weird. It’s getting better and better.”

The ‘Ground I Grew Up On’ Is an Important Song to Hardy

The “Ground I Grew Up On,” the song that the 19-year-old named his tour after, is something that resonates deeply with the country singer. “That song, when I listen to it, I think of some memories I have growing up,” he told PopCulture.com. “Like running across the driveway barefooted on limestone and just getting callouses on the bottom of my feet, climbing trees, playing hide and seek at night, and accidentally setting woods on fire.”

Hardy said the last part with a laugh, adding that he was only joking. “We were mostly outside growing up and that’s what I think of, just the dirt and stuff, getting muddy and riding four-wheelers,” he added.

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