Last night was the sold out show for American Idol winner Maddie Poppe at the Greene Room events center at Wild Rose Jefferson.

Governor Kim Reynolds, Iowa House Speaker Linda Upmeyer, and State Auditor Mary Mosimon also made an appearance as part of the “First Ladies Night” event to honor Iowa’s firsts for women. Sue Kirke is the wife of Wild Rose Founder and Chair Gary Kirke and she describes her thoughts about recognizing all of those women leaders of Iowa. “It’s fun having them here. It’s even more special having Maddie here. I think she’s been such a great role model. Young kids love her, I mean she’s just salt of the earth. I mean she’s just a great role model for Iowans.”

The Kirkes got to meet Maddie after they personally flew her from her American Idol Tour in Oklahoma to open this year’s Iowa State Fair with the singing of the National Anthem. Gary talked about meeting Maddie and what she’s like.

“Just like a regular Iowan. She and her family, they are grassroots Iowans, and that’s the best way I can describe it.”

Last night’s show was the second stop on the solo tour for Poppe, following her first performance the previous weekend at Wild Rose Clinton.