Randy Madden, a former contestant on American Idol Season 8, was arrested and charged with six felonies involving a minor. Booked on October 30, 2025, and formally charged on November 3, the 45-year-old faces serious sexual offense charges under California Penal Code sections. He pleaded not guilty, posted $100,000 bail on November 4, and was released pending his next court hearing on November 13, 2025. A criminal protective order was filed for the alleged victim, whose age remains undisclosed.[2][3][4][5][1]
Important Notice: This article reports allegations and ongoing legal proceedings. All charges remain allegations until proven in court. The defendant has pleaded not guilty to all counts.[1][2][3]
Critical Case Details and Arrest Facts
Arrest and booking summary:
- Booked by Ventura County Sheriff: October 30, 2025[3][6][1][2]
- Formally charged with six felonies: November 3, 2025[4][7][1][2][3]
- Defendant age: 45 years old[5][8][1][2][3][4]
- Court appearance method: Zoom video conference[9][1][2]
- Plea entered: Not guilty to all charges[10][1][2][4]
- Bond amount and posting: $100,000 posted November 4, 2025[11][1][2][3][4]
- Next court hearing: Thursday, November 13, 2025[12][1][2]
Six Felony Charges Under California Law
Madden faces six distinct criminal charges stemming from alleged conduct between July 21 and September 2025. Court records reviewed by People magazine identified July 21, 2025 as the documented start date of alleged criminal activity. A criminal protective order was filed for the alleged victim, whose age remains undisclosed in public records.[13][14][15][1][2][3][4][5]
Complete charge specifications:
- Unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor[16][1][2][3][4][5]
- Oral copulation of a person under 18 years old[17][1][2][3][4][5]
- Anal penetration by foreign object of a minor[18][1][2][3][4][5]
- Genital penetration by foreign object of a minor[19][1][2][3][4][5]
- Sending harmful matter to a minor[20][1][2][3][4][5]
- Dissuading a witness from reporting a crime[21][1][2][3][4][5]
The witness dissuading charge indicates law enforcement investigation found evidence of attempted intimidation or obstruction of the reporting process, classified as a separate felony offense under California statute.[22][1][2][5]
American Idol Season 8 Background and Context
Madden auditioned during American Idol Season 8 in Phoenix, Arizona during the 2009 competition season, which premiered January 13, 2009. He performed Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer” before the four-judge panel. All four judges voted against him, eliminating him from competition.[23][24][25][1][2][3][4][5]
American Idol Season 8 judge panel:
- Simon Cowell[26][1][2][3][5]
- Paula Abdul[27][1][2][3][5]
- Randy Jackson[28][1][2][3][5]
- Kara DioGuardi (first season as permanent judge)[29][1][3][5]
Season 8 final competition results:
| Placement | Contestant Name |
|---|---|
| Winner | Kris Allen[1][5][3][30] |
| Runner-up | Adam Lambert[1][5][3][31] |
| Third place | Danny Gokey[1][5][3][32] |
Court Status and Support Resources
The case remains active in Ventura County Superior Court pending the November 13, 2025 hearing date. Specific bail conditions beyond the bond amount have not been publicly disclosed by Ventura County authorities. Defense attorney name and prosecution assignment details are not listed in publicly available court records.[33][34][35][1][2][4]
Victims and individuals seeking assistance can contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 (RAINN) for free, confidential support available 24 hours daily.[36][37]
