According to booking documentation obtained by Entertainment Weekly, on April 7, the victim and her roommate discovered a device underneath their futon. Initially thought to be a phone charger, it was actually a VR-500 Voice Activated Recorder. After reviewing the audio files from the recorder, Hardy’s voice could be heard as he was delivering and most likely installing the device in the room. The victim alleges in other documentation that he had previously recorded her through other means and had even planted another “bug” in her dorm room that he later discarded. An arrest warrant was approved for Hardy on April 27. The 21-year-old singer revealed he had received a warrant from LSU police in a tweet on April 28. He wrote he has “the utmost respect for the law and will assist in their investigation as needed moving forward.” But he also encouraged privacy and discretion given the usual public nature of his life. Hardy’s attorney confirmed in a statement to EW that he “did receive a warrant for his arrest” and that he “has been and will continue to be completely cooperative with the Louisiana State University Police Department on this matter.” Hardy is a Louisana native who first appeared on the 2018 season of American Idol, its first season on its current network of ABC. He made it to the top 50. The next year he accompanied his friend on guitar at her audition, but was asked by judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie to audition as well. He ended up getting a golden ticket once more, going all the way and winning season 17. In the years since, he has gone on tour and put out a number of new songs and television performances, including on The Bachelor. Hardy was previously set to appear on American Idol’s 20th anniversary reunion episode happening this Monday. Though the special taped before the singer’s arrest, ABC has not commented on whether the show will keep him in the edit. Next, Bobby Bones on Whether America Got the Top 5 Right and Picking Songs For the Semi-Finals
