Idol, born William Michael Albert Broad, has built an extraordinary life both on stage and off. His family includes three children—Brant Broad, Willem Wolfe Broad, and Bonnie Blue Broad—and four grandchildren. Despite a demanding career, Idol finds joy in balancing his passion for music with his love for family. “It’s all worked out in an incredible way,” Idol shared with PEOPLE, highlighting the unexpected harmony between his professional and personal lives.
Brant Broad, one of Idol’s sons, has become a proud father himself. Married to Teresa, Brant has two children, Mackenzie and Mason. Born in June 2020 and July 2022 respectively, these young ones have brought immense happiness to the family. Idol often shares heartwarming moments with them on social media, such as celebrating Mason’s second birthday, which coincidentally falls on the same day as his great-grandfather’s birthday. This connection adds a special layer to their family traditions.
In January 2023, Brant and his family joined Idol at his star ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, marking a significant milestone. Later that year, Idol posted photos from a backstage visit during his show at Brooklyn’s Kings Theatre, capturing tender moments with Brant and granddaughter McKenzie. These occasions underscore the strong bond Idol shares with his extended family, showcasing how he integrates his rock star persona with his role as a doting grandfather.
Willem Wolfe Broad, another of Idol’s sons, has carved out his own path in the entertainment industry. Born in the 1980s to former Hot Gossip member Perri Lister, Willem accompanied his father to various public events as a child, including movie premieres and circus performances. Now an adult, Willem has embraced a career as a musician, artist, and DJ based in Los Angeles.
Influenced by a diverse range of musical styles, Willem credits his parents for shaping his artistic tastes. Growing up, he was exposed to techno-ambient house music from his mother and tapes of The Offspring and Kraftwerk from his father. In an interview with Up Magazine, Willem reflected on these influences, noting how they contributed to his unique sound. Idol expressed pride in his son’s pursuits, stating, “I’m very interested in what my son is doing. He’s more into bands like Radiohead than my music.” This mutual respect highlights the supportive relationship between father and son, fostering creativity and personal growth.
Bonnie Blue Broad, Idol’s daughter, has chosen a different path from her famous father. Born in the 1980s to ex-partner Linda Mathis, Bonnie pursued higher education and developed interests outside the entertainment world. Idol mentioned in a New York Daily News interview that she didn’t exhibit any interest in the business, instead focusing on her studies and writing. Despite this divergence, Bonnie has consistently supported her father, attending events like the 2008 Emmys party and posing for Harper’s Bazaar Singapore alongside him.
Bonnie’s decision to prioritize personal fulfillment reflects Idol’s hope for his children: “My hope for my children is that they are happy, and find love and a purpose in life that is gloriously fulfilling.” She has two daughters, Poppy Rebel and MaryJane, born in 2020 and 2021 respectively. While maintaining a private Instagram account, Bonnie occasionally shares glimpses of her family life, particularly during significant moments like Idol’s star ceremony on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. These occasions reveal the deep familial ties that remain a cornerstone of Idol’s life.
Becoming a grandfather has added new dimensions to Idol’s life. He relishes the opportunity to engage with his grandchildren without the pressures of parental discipline. “That’s lovely about being a grandad, you’re not disciplining them. You’re more giving them advice if they ask you stuff like that,” Idol explained to PEOPLE. This perspective allows him to enjoy a more relaxed, advisory role while still being actively involved in their lives.
Idol frequently shares candid moments with his grandchildren on social media, capturing their playful interactions and milestones. From backstage visits to family gatherings, these posts illustrate the balance he maintains between his music career and family time. For Idol, the best of both worlds means embracing every moment, whether it’s performing on stage or watching his grandchildren dance to his music backstage. This dual existence showcases the richness of his life, proving that success in one area doesn’t preclude fulfillment in another.