American Idol star Grace Kinstler is engaged.
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The singer, who was a favorite among fans during the reality singing competition show's 19th season, shared the news on Instagram. We have all the details below.
Who Is "American Idol" Alum Grace Kinstler?
Kinstler appeared on American Idol in 2021, and her audition was memorable not just for her singing, but for making one judge cry.
"That's got to be right up there with the Kelly Clarkson audition, the Jennifer Hudson audition," Luke Bryan told Kinstler after she performed the classic "(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman." "I get brought to tears by stories and backgrounds of people and their struggles, but this is the first time in four years that someone just singing made me cry."
Throughout her season, Kinstler, who attended the Berklee College of Music, was the fan-favorite. However, it was Chayce Beckham who took home the top prize. Willie Spence was runner-up, and Kinstler was third.
But Kinstler has still been at it. In addition to releasing her own music, including, most recently, the single "My Name's on You," she has collaborated with Keith Urban and Jon Batiste.
Who Is the Lucky Groom-To-Be?
It was the 25-year-old's longtime boyfriend, musician and real estate agent Joseph Wheatley, who proposed. The couple made a joint announcement on Sunday, Aug. 2, sharing images of the proposal at Boston Public Garden.
"07.31.2026 Forever best friends," the caption read.
Before their engagement, Kinstler and Wheatley dated for nearly seven years. The two celebrated their anniversary back in November. At the time, Kinstler was a contestant on the Chinese television singing competition Singer 2025.
"Happy 6 year anniversary to the man who learned Mandarin at a moments notice and then spoke it in front of millions on Chinese television because he's just that cool (and because he loves me)," she wrote. "You are my best friend and the love of my life. I'm so grateful to do every day with you."
