Newly eliminated American Idol contestant Paul McDonald created a media frenzy on the day after getting the boot, when he revealed that he is dating Twilight Saga actress Nikki Reed.
The 26-year-old rocker currently considers Nashville home, though he is an Alabama boy. He finished 8th during Idol Season 10, and will join the Top 11 on the Idol Summer Tour.
What did his celebrity girlfriend have to say after his departure from the FOX reality show last night? “She was actually pumped. She said, ‘Dude, you finally get to do your thing and be yourself and be the artist you are.’ She is happy about the whole situation. She has been nothing but cool to me.”
McDonald is the lead singer for The Grand Magnolias. When asked whether he would be hooking up with the group in the near future, he replied: “I might have to release a solo album first.”
Sounds like Paul is working on a record deal — not unlike Pia Toscano, who was eliminated a week ago and signed with a label the next day.