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John Mellencamp and Trace Adkins Gear Up for Claim to Fame Finale Watch Party
In an exciting turn of events, Claim to Fame season 3 participants, Mackenzie Adkins and Hud Mellencamp, have developed a close friendship on the ABC reality show. Now, their famous fathers, Trace Adkins and John Mellencamp, are set to meet at a gathering to watch the season finale.
In an exclusive conversation with Us Weekly ahead of the Wednesday, August 28, finale, Mackenzie revealed that both fathers are eager to attend the viewing party for the final episode of Claim to Fame.
"Both of our dads still think we were the winners," Mackenzie shared. "So, they’re in for a surprise when they see that Adam Christopherson is the one who actually took the title. They’ll be watching it with us tonight."
Mackenzie, Hud, and their fathers are expected to join fellow Claim to Fame contestants Jill Kurlfink, Gracie Lou Hyland, Naomi Burns, Shane Brando, and Nael “Danny” Zayas for the watch party, and Mackenzie expressed her excitement about the event: "We’re really looking forward to it. It’s going to be a blast!"
Hud added his own remark about the camaraderie among the cast. "I initially thought, ‘There’s no way we could stay friends after this.’ I figured everyone would be talking behind each other’s backs when the show airs, and nobody would reply to my texts," he laughed. "But we actually spend a lot of time together and enjoy each other’s company, which I’m really thankful for."
The bond between Mackenzie and Hud blossomed during the show, with some hints of romance emerging. Although they played coy about their relationship during the interview, Mackenzie smiled and hinted at their connection: "He’s here right now, so I guess that’s telling."
This finale watch party will mark the first meeting between Mackenzie and Hud’s dad, as well as the initial introduction between Trace and John, even though they have crossed paths in the music industry before. Trace recalled, "We’ve done a couple of Farm Aids, but I don’t really remember meeting [John] directly," referring to the annual benefit concert co-founded by John.
Trace has experience of his own with reality TV, having appeared on The Celebrity Apprentice in 2013, and he shared some advice with Mackenzie before her time on Claim to Fame. "I told her to stay under the radar for a bit and then go all out. Just keep in mind that the microphone is always on, so watch what you say!"
Despite being unaware of Claim to Fame before Mackenzie joined the cast, Trace confessed he enjoyed season 3. "[It’s] really clever and entertaining; it’s like a puzzle you can participate in."
He also shared his favorite contestants, mentioning, "I like Hud and Shane; they’ve played the game well. I’m not quite sure how Adam is still in the mix."
Trace expressed his confidence in Mackenzie: "I had no doubt she would shine on the show. Mackenzie is bright, professional, and always brings a smile; her positivity is infectious. She’s done nothing but impress me, and I can say that about none of my other kids."
Ultimately, Mackenzie and Hud ended up as the runners-up of Claim to Fame season 3, while Adam emerged victorious and revealed his celebrity connection as Michael Bolton‘s nephew.
Catch the latest episodes of Claim to Fame now streaming on Hulu.
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