What you need to know
Former American Idol contestant Randy Madden is facing multiple felony charges for allegedly having sex with a minor.
The 45-year-old’s charges stem from at least one alleged sexual encounter between July and September of this year, according to online records from California’s Ventura County Superior Court reviewed by PEOPLE. TMZ was first to report the news.
Records show Madden was charged on Monday, Nov. 3, with unlawful sexual intercourse, anal and genital penetration with a foreign object, oral copulation with a person under 18, sending a noxious substance, and enticing a witness to dissuade him from reporting a crime.
M. Becker/American Idol 2009/Getty
A criminal protection order has been filed against Madden’s alleged victim. Madden appeared in court via Zoom and pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to online records.
Madden was wanted by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, Oct. 30, and was released on Tuesday, Nov. 4 after posting $100,000 bail, according to online jail records reviewed by PEOPLE. Madden’s next court date is scheduled for Thursday, November 13th.
Madden was a contestant on season 8 of American Idol. He auditioned for a show in Phoenix and performed Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.” The singer received no “yes” votes from any of the four judges and was eliminated from the contest.
Online Ventura County Sheriff’s records list Madden’s occupation as “disabled.” Madden currently has a GoFundMe link in her bio on her Instagram page, asking for help with “living expenses, rent, utilities, gas, etc.”
The campaign, launched by Mr Madden, claims that in September 2023 he was in a “horrific motorcycle accident due to brake failure” and is unable to walk without crutches or a cane.
In an update on June 18, 2025, Madden wrote that he had undergone seven surgeries and said he would need two more to repair his foot.
“My recovery has been difficult and I am unable to work as a hairdresser due to my current condition. Recent surgery required me to move muscles to cover up an infection and I am currently dealing with potential complications,” he wrote at the time. “Gasoline and transportation costs are going up, so I want to keep my expenses to a minimum and focus on recovery.”
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“We are facing hurdles in terms of unemployment and federal aid, and it could take months to receive aid,” Madden continued. “Your support will help prevent me from facing financial hardship and preventing me from becoming homeless.”
PEOPLE has reached out to Madden and his attorney for comment.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or visit rainn.org.
