Laine Hardy returned to social media on Monday afternoon (July 26) for the first time since April 2022 when he was arrested and accused of spying on an ex-girlfriend.
The Season 17 winner of American Idol shared a video of himself performing an unreleased new song titled “Party I Can Play.”
In the just over two-minute clip, Hardy, who is nearly unrecognizable with a full beard and long hair, strummed an acoustic guitar while singing the never-before-heard tune.
“A hole by the roses that the bird dogs dug / little brother chasing them lightning bugs / hand cranked ice cream that daddy made… / I guess you never know the good times while you got ’em / but you sure do miss them when they slip away / I knew then but somehow I’ve forgotten / all I need is a pickup where I can set up / and a party that I can play,” Hardy sings in the clip.
He continued to sing, ”Ping-pong table and solo cups / you’re losing if you’re winning cause you don’t get drunk / you play ‘Brown Eyed Girl’ but if you make ’em blue / yeah, I might even close my eyes for you / I guess you never know the good times while you got ’em / but you sure do miss them when they slip away / I knew then but somehow I’ve forgotten / all I need is a pickup where I can set up / and a party that I can play / party I can play.”
The Louisiana native recently returned to the road and his next scheduled tour date is on July 29 at the Pike County Fair in Bowling Green, MO.
Laine Hardy surrendered himself to police at Louisiana State University on April 29, 2022, after a warrant was issued for his arrest for reportedly planting a listening device in a female student’s dorm room. The recordings allegedly took place from November 2021 to February 2022.
A spokesman for Louisiana State University confirmed Laine Hardy’s arrest in a statement to the outlet (per WAFB).
“Laine Reed Hardy (a Non-LSU Student) was arrested by LSU Police today and booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison for violation of 15:1303 — Interception and Disclosure of Wire, Electronic, or Oral Communication,” the statement read. “His arrest warrant has been filed with clerk of court.”
He was released from jail on the evening of April 29.
Hardy shared an update with fans after the warrant was issued.
“Earlier today, I received a warrant due to allegations made against me and have been fully cooperative with the Louisiana State University Police Department,” Hardy wrote on social media. “I understand that my career has thrust me into the public spotlight, and I embrace that wholeheartedly as my entire world belongs to my music and my fans.”
He continued, “However, due to the sensitive nature of this allegation, I humbly ask for privacy at this time. I have the utmost respect for the law and will assist in their investigation as needed moving forward.”
If Hardy’s convicted of the crime, Interception and Disclosure of Wire, Electronic, or Oral Communication, he will face a maximum sentence of up to ten years in prison and a fine of $10,000.
