Sad news for American Idol fans:

Season 5 finalist Bucky Covington and his wife Crystal, a nurse, have separated after seven years of marriage. In a statement issued through his record label, Covington said: "This is a difficult time for both of us and I would ask that everyone respect our privacy."

The couple has no children.Covington, who won fans over with his unapologetic country-boy style, released his first single, "A Different World," in January and has a debut album due April 17.

Matt Richenthal is the Editor in Chief of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Twitter and on Google+.