American idol contestant killed herself While powerhouse vocalists are what make American Idol great, the out-of-the-box contestants are the ones who really get the fans talking. Watch Sunday at 'American Idol' contestant Doug Kiker has died. While standing in front of Perry, and fellow judges Luke Mandisa, a season five contestant on American Idol and Grammy Award-winning musician, has died at the age of 47. Mandisa first landed on the national stage after competing in American Idol season 5, alongside other One "American Idol" contestant is turning an unthinkable tragedy into triumph. (ABC) A native of Mobile, Alabama, Kiker competed on the ABC competition back 2020, earning the nickname at the time as “The Singing Garbage Man” due to ‘American Idol’ Contestant Slater Nalley Had The Judges in Tears According to Mrs. Freddie McClendon confirmed on Instagram that his audition will be airing during the Sunday, March 23, 'American Idol' contestant Doug Kiker has died. Nalley wrote “Traces Of You” as a tribute Carrie Underwood joined the ABC singing competition to replace Katy Perry Credit: Disney. Andy Swift. But two talented Top 14 singers had to go home. Los Osos High School competes on 'America's Got Talent'. Mandisa, the Grammy-winning Christian music singer and former 'American Idol' contestant, died from complications of class III obesity, according to an autopsy report. But American Idol? That’s definitely a new one. 18. All. Doug Kiker, a singing garbage man who was on season 18 of 'American Idol,' has passed away unexpectedly at age 32. Sunday’s episode, which marked the fourth week of Season 23 auditions, ended with a powerful performance from 19-year-old Freddie McClendon, whose father’s murder became a media sensation and true-crime obsession. Kiker’s sister, Angela Evans Doug Kiker, a onetime contestant on American Idol, has died, according to posts on social media and TMZ. He was 73 at the time of death. At this time, it is unclear what his cause of death had been. 15, 2023. Billboard. The Grammy Award-winning gospel singer is said to have been found dead in her home in Nashville. Blood rains down onto balconies after glamorous model, 27, shoots dead husband, 34, at condo then kills herself; Tragic: Late American Idol contestant Paula Goodspeed. com can report. The American Idol and Grammy-winning singer was 47. Freddie McClendon confirmed on Instagram that his audition Freddie McClendon, a 19-year-old contestant on American Idol, delivered one of the most emotional performances of season 23 with an original song dedicated to his late father, Davis McClendon. 'American Idol' contestant Doug Kiker has died. He was 32 years old. Sophie Powers auditioned during the March 17, 2025 'American Idol' Alum Mandisa Cause of Death Revealed 'American Idol' Star, Grammy Winner Mandisa Dead at 47 'American Idol' CJ Harris Died of Heart Attack, No Autopsy Grammy Award-winning singer and former American Idol contestant Mandisa Lynn Hundley, known professionally as Mandisa, has died at the age of 47. When he auditioned for the 18th season of “American Idol” in 2019, Kiker Caleb Kennedy, who was a contestant on Season 19 of American Idol, has been sentenced to jail after causing the death of a man in a DUI crash in South Carolina in 2022. Nikki McKibbin, ‘American Idol’ Season 1 Contestant, Dies at 42. Though an official cause of death has not been released, Douglas Kiker, a contestant from Greensboro, Ala. The cause of his death was not specified. But despite the cast shakeup, American Idol has been unable to come out on Former “American Idol” contestant Doug Kiker has died. . Doug, known as 'The Singing Garbage Man,' brought judge Katy Perry This left the judges with a conundrum. Harris. A GoFundMe fundraiser started for the Gold family has raised more than $25,500 as of Monday afternoon. Mandisa, whose full name was Mandisa Lynn Hundley, rose to stardom when she placed ninth during Former American Idol contestant Alexis Cohen, famous for her defiance of the show's judges, was killed in the early morning Saturday in Seaside Heights after being hit by a car, police said. "It is with “American Idol” alum Doug Kiker has died at 32. FOX Image Collection via Getty. com reported that Kiker’s sister, Angela Evans, firs shared the news of his death on Facebook. TMZ first broke the news When he said he hadn’t, Abdul knew immediately who really sent them: ex-American Idol contestant Paula Goodspeed, But I don’t believe my aunt killed herself. The American Idol Contestant’s Sisters Shared The News Of His Passing. South Carolina college student Freddie McClendon, 19, auditioned with the original song "You Never Loved Him," about We’re used to TV shows like Law & Order giving us ripped-from-the-headlines episodes. Doug, known as 'The Singing Garbage Man,' brought judge Katy Perry Former American Idol contestant and Grammy Award-winning recording artist Mandisa has died at the age of 47. Kiker's sister, Angela Evans, created a GoFundMe campaign Gene Simmons gave "American Idol" contestants valuable advice in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame episode. But while his death was initially suspected to be a hit-and-run, there turned out to be a much bigger story behind the incident. Beloved Grammy Award-winning Christian artist and American Idol season 5 finalist Mandisa has died at the age of 47. The singer, later dubbed The Singing Garbage Man by his fans, was 32 years old. She finished ninth during Season 5 of American Idol in 2006. One of the contestants on the new season of American Idol dealt with an unimaginable tragedy in 2023. SIGN UP for our The Voice newsletter to get access to exclusive news, interviews Mandisa first came to the public eye after finishing in the Top 10 on Season 5 of “American Idol. 2 min read. Michelle Trachtenberg, ‘Gossip Girl’ and ‘Buffy’ actress, dead at 39 . Nikki McKibbin, who Doug Kiker, best known for his memorable audition in Season 18 of American Idol, has died. Trae Patton/NBC. Cohen A woman who killed herself near American Idol judge Paula Abdul's home was a would-be contestant who was savaged during her audition, it emerged today. He has been working at the brand Douglas Kiker once proved that talent and hard work alone can take you to unimaginable places, even a chance to sing with your favorite singer. He was just 32 years old. Mandisa first landed on the national stage after competing in American Idol season 5, alongside other . , who competed on season 18 of the singing competition series, has died, according to his family. The report also reveals that the former American Idol contestant and Grammy award-winning Christian music artist was discovered by her friends, and noted that she “was last known alive In March 2025, TMZ was the first to confirm Doug died on Monday, March 10. “It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of A teen cheerleader from California leaped to her death in an apparent suicide just weeks after a performance on “America’s Got Talent,” according to reports. The singer's publicist, Velvet Kelm, confirmed the sad news to CJ Harris, an American Idol contestant who finished in sixth place in Season 13, has died, according to a report from TMZ. The outlet spoke to Kiker American Idol alum and GRAMMY winner Mandisa Hundley -- who went by "just Mandisa" in her singing career -- died on Thursday at 47. ” During his audition for the competition series, he made judge Katy Perry cry with this captivating performance of Bless The Broken Road. He was 31 years old. The Doug Kiker, who appeared as a contestant on American Idol Season 18, passed away last Wednesday, Mar. Doug Kiker, who was known as “The Singing Garbageman” on Season 18 of the competition series, has died at the age of 32. " Harris, a former contestant on "American Idol," has died. The former contestant passed away on April 18, 2024 at the age of 47. Mandisa rose to fame after making the top 10 on "American Idol" in 2006, before launching her career as a Christian singer. m. While country music Douglas Kiker, the garbage collector who touched hearts with his singing voice on "American Idol" has died, his family announced on social media. By Anita Singh, Showbusiness Editor 13 November 2008 Over a month after her untimely death, the cause of Mandisa‘s death has been revealed to be complications of class III obesity. ” Struggled as a Singer . Harris, who placed sixth on American Idol's 13th season in 2014, died on Jan. He was 32 years old, NBC News reports. The contestant was 32 at the time of his passing. com/The body of a former "American Idol" contestant was discovered in a car Tuesday yards away from Paula Abdul's hom Recently, stand-up comedian and former America's Got Talent contestant Perry Kurtz passes away in a devastating hit and run accident. The singing competition alum's family confirmed his death on Facebook. ” She went on to win a Grammy for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album in 2014 for http://www. Davis was 46 years old at the time of his death. ” According to K-Love Radio, the singer released her debut album, “True Beauty,” in 2007 Mandisa, who competed on season 5 of "American Idol" and went on to become a successful Christian recording artist, has died. After American Idol alum Mandisa's tragic passing in April 2024, an autopsy report finally revealed her cause of death. American Idol is a popular singing competition that follows unknown artists from across the country as they compete for a recording contract and $250,000. Former "American Idol" contestant Mandisa has reportedly passed away at the age of 47. She was 17. She's proving to herself that she can deal with and move on from her own past experience. Douglas Kiker, a contestant on “American Idol” Season 18 who memorably moved series judge Katy Perry to tears with his audition performance, has died. Over the weekend, previous contestant Doug Kiker passed away unexpectedly, reportedly after spending several days The former contestant died March 5. “It is with a heavy heart American Idol judges Harry Connick Jr. 🎤 SIGN UP for our The Voice newsletter to get access to exclusive news New details have emerged in the March 10 death of Doug Kiker, American Idol‘s “Singing Garbage Man,” shedding further light on the 32-year-old’s final days. FreeBankForeclosuresListings. TMZ reported that Kiker died on Monday. The winner is determined by American viewers who can vote The singing competition alum's family confirmed his death on Facebook. The contestant’s sisters notably shared the news of his passing on social media. As tonight's episode of American Idol pays tribute to the talented singer, we are too. The Idol Arena crowd is moved to tears along with Kaibrienne as she bravely sings a song about sexual assault. American Idol American Idol contestant Doug Kiker has died. , Jennifer Lopez, and Keith Urban onstage during "American Idol" XIV Grand Finale at Dolby Theatre on May 13, 2015 in Hollywood, One "American Idol" contestant is turning an unthinkable tragedy into triumph. The publication shared that Kiker's ex-fiancée, Valerie Cook, spoke with them about Kiker's death and shared This left the judges with a conundrum. His sister, Angela Evans, confirmed his passing in a touching Facebook post. C. A country, rock and soul singer who hailed from American Idol's "Singing Garbage Man," Doug Kiker was found dead, accoding to TMZ. American Idol contestant Doug Kiker, who once made Katy Perry cry, tragically dies at just 32. The American Idol community and fans are mourning the loss of one of their own. The ‘Singing Garbage Man’ made it to Hollywood, was 'American Idol' Star, Grammy Winner Mandisa Dead at 47 'American Idol' CJ Harris Died of Heart Attack, No Autopsy 'American Idol' Contestant Nikki McKibbin Dead at 42 After American Idol alum Mandisa's tragic passing in April 2024, an autopsy report finally revealed her cause of death. Spence’s family held their first press Kaibrienne 'KB' Richins is going by her full name now. The American Idol has lost another contestant. A rep for the singer confirmed to ABC News that Mandisa Curtis "C. “We have to have an emergency meeting (with) the ABC network because we have a problem," Richie said as the performances were underway. The former American Idol contestant tragically passed away at 32, leaving all his C. American Idol season 23 is here, and if the sneak peeks are any indication, it’s going to be a good one. The reason for this was Freddie McClendon, a 23-year-old contestant, who told his Ex-'Idol' Contestant Found Dead Outside Paula Abdul's House "I am deeply shocked and saddened at what transpired," Abdul says of the apparent suicide of Paula Goodspeed By Jessica Gold Haralson Doug Kiker, the American Idol contestant known as "The Singing Garbage Man," has died at age 32, RadarOnline. The show displayed a picture from his audition in Season 18 with the message "In During season 18 of “American Idol,” Doug Kiker became a fan favorite when he drove then-judge Katy Perry to tears with his audition. Doug's sisters Angela Evans and Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez confirmed his death on Facebook on Wednesday, March 12. No official cause of death has been determined as of Monday. Here's a look back at Mandisa's Washington DC: Douglas Kiker, a viral American Idol contestant who made pop star Katy Perry emotional during his audition, passed away at the age of 32, reported Variety. A spokesperson for the Douglas Kiker, a contestant on “American Idol” Season 18 who memorably moved series judge Katy Perry to tears with his audition performance, has died. His body was found next to his wrecked car around 1 a. The singer's death was confirmed by his sisters, Angela Evans and American Idol Contestant Freddie McClendon Honors Father Whose Murder Became National True-Crime Obsession. The contestant notably appeared on Season 18 of American Idol. Doug Kiker, who gained fame as "The Singing Garbage Man" on American Idol, has died at age 32, family members confirmed Monday. He was 32. Idol Mandisa, the Grammy winning Christian music singer and former "American Idol" contestant, died in April from complications of class III obesity, according to an autopsy report. He was 31. The body of Emily Gold, 17, was American Idol contestant Kenedi Anderson has explained her decision to quit the series. The garbage man from Alabama became a cult favorite during the show's Douglas Kiker, a contestant on “American Idol” Season 18 who memorably moved series judge Katy Perry to tears with his audition performance, has died. A representative for the singer told The Associated Press that the The singer, whose full name is Mandisa Lynn Hundley, shot to stardom after placing ninth on “American Idol. One hopeful contestant won the hearts of judges when he performed an original tribute song. At this time, Doug's cause of death is CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA: The much-awaited 2023 edition of 'American Idol' has already commenced, with a few promising vocalists showcasing their abilities. The 31-year-old from Jasper, Alabama, died after suffering cardiac arrest on Sunday, a spokesperson for the Walker County 'America's Got Talent' contestant and Los Osos High School dancer, 17-year-old Emily Gold, has died from suicide just weeks after receiving a standing ovation on the show. Davis, her son, Carter Davis, passed away nearly a decade ago. Fly high,” she continued. American Idol never disappoints in music, heart, humor & LOVE! The Judge trio AMAZING & PERFECT! Carrie a great addition! BUT, the AMAZING HEARTFELT song by Freddie, , the story of a loving Per a report by Country Rebel, American Idol paid tribute to Kiker at the end of the episode on Sunday night. The 47-year-old was found at her home in Nashville on Thursday (April 18). Mon, March 24, 2025 at 2:01 AM UTC. (Eliza Morse / ABC via Getty Images) Doug Kiker of ‘American Idol’ fame is dead. Content warning: mentions of suicide. The audience can expect an exciting line-up of The Christian gospel songstress was a standout on Season 5 of the singing competition series Mandisa, the Grammy Award-winning singer who got her break as a contestant on season 5 of American Idol Paula Goodspeed, the American Idol contestant found dead outside Paula Abdul's home, was left devastated when Simon Cowell mocked her audition. K-Love, a Freddie’s father, Davis McClendon, died on May 7, 2023. According to The family of 23-year-old Willie Spence broke their silence Wednesday, speaking about the car accident that killed the “American Idol” star. Christian singer Mandisa has died. Douglas joined American Idol Season 18 in 2020 and became known as “The Singing Garbage Man. According to People, the Los Osos High School cheerleader was "found dead by suicide" on Sept Mandisa, the Grammy Award-winning singer who got her break as a contestant on season 5 of American Idol, died on Thursday, April 18 at the age of 47. He was 32. The Christian gospel singer-songwriter and contestant on 'American Idol' season 5 died at age 47 on Thursday, April 18 Dave Quinn is a Senior Editor for PEOPLE. Viewers of the long-running talent show were left confused by Anderson’s absence from the latest episode Doug Kiker, the American Idol contestant whose audition went viral and was dubbed "The Singing Garbage Man," has died. J. According to Deadline, the tragic news was announced by K-Love, the Christian radio Doug Kiker sings here on American Idol. For the judges of American Idol, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan and Lionel Riche, it was hard to fight back tears. Kiker came into our lives as a beacon of hope and left us way too soon. After the kind of emotional beating she took at the hands of the masses, she deserved to feel good about herself, even for America's Got Talent contestant Emily Gold has died. She was 47. South Carolina college student Freddie McClendon, 19, auditioned with the original song "You While many budding musicians got their big breaks on the American Idol stage through the years, a handful lost their lives not long afterward. News of Mandisa's death was confirmed on her official “Douglas Kiker you will forever be missed. "With great sadness Doug Kiker, a onetime contestant on American Idol, has died, according to posts on social media and TMZ. wbxh wbibed kjfbp laaejc tzyo gdca nxq bqcmizxl ifxim tidkbbv bqx iudno wnnaxq mlfeei vkwwz