American Idol Alum Colin Stough Arrested for DUI After Car Crash in Tennessee

Image credits: Amy Harris/Invision/AP

Former American Idol contestant Colin Stough was arrested for driving under the influence after a car crash in Tennessee, according to reports from the Tennessee Highway Patrol. The 20-year-old musician, who finished in third place on season 21 of the singing competition series, was found by highway patrol officers responding to a single-vehicle crash on the I-840 East freeway in Williamson County, just south of Nashville. Stough was transported to a hospital before being charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI), underage consumption of alcohol, and failure to exercise due care.

Representatives for Stough did not immediately respond to requests for comment, but the musician has been active on social media since the incident, posting stories on his Instagram, including a selfie taken inside a vehicle and a video of himself singing one of his songs while walking in a forest. Stough's arrest comes as he prepares for upcoming shows in New York, Vermont, and Rhode Island, according to his website. The musician has also been announced as the headliner for the Mississippi Makers Fest 2025.

During his American Idol stint, Stough impressed the judges with his rendition of Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Simple Man" and eventually became a finalist, making it to the end of the season before being eliminated in third place behind runner-up Megan Danielle and winner Iam Tongi. Stough received praise for his vocals from the American Idol judges, with Katy Perry describing him as "the Brad Pitt of country music" due to his talent and song choice. The musician has since released original music, including the song "I Still Talk To Jesus" and the EP Lookin' For Home.

Stough's upcoming shows are scheduled to take place in the coming weeks, with performances in Sarasota Springs, N.Y., Vermont, and Rhode Island. The musician's arrest has sparked concern among his fans, who are waiting to see how the incident will affect his upcoming performances and music career. As the situation develops, Stough's team has not commented on the arrest or its potential impact on his schedule.

The incident has also raised questions about the responsibility of young celebrities and the potential consequences of their actions. Stough's arrest serves as a reminder of the importance of safe driving practices and the dangers of driving under the influence. As the musician navigates this challenging situation, his fans and supporters will be watching to see how he responds and moves forward.