How many ‘American Idol’ singers have died till now? CJ Harris had a cardiac arrest while Nikki McKibbin suffered brain aneurysm
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: As we wait for the premiere of 'American Idol' Season 22, let's all pause for a moment and remember all those legendary singers of the show who died too soon.
'American Idol' started airing originally on FOX in 2002. Later, the streaming platform shifted to ABC.
Since the last two decades, we have witnessed some 'American Idols' tragic deaths. Some died of drug abuse, some in dreadful accidents, and some due to illness.
As we pay our tribute to the late singers, here's the list of all the 'American Idol' contestants who have died.
Nikki McKibbin
'American Idol' Season 1 contestant Nikki McKibbin died at the age of 42 after suffering a brain aneurysm. Catching everyone's eye in the show with her cool style and pink hair, Nikki made it to the Top 4.
Rickey Smith
'American Idol' Season 2 finalist Rickey Smith was killed by a drunk driver at the age of 36. His car crashed while he was returning back to his home in Oklahoma in 2016. Rickey was known for his sweet nature and even came 8th in the show.
Leah LaBelle
'American Idol' Season 3 singer Leah LaBelle died in 2018 after grave injuries from a car crash. She, along with her boyfriend Rasual Bulter, died at the scene and there were reports of drug and alcohol being involved in the case. Leah was just 16 when she appeared in 'American Idol.' She was in the Top 12 after the singer was brought back to the show with a wild card.
Marque 'Tate' Lynche
'American Idol' Season 3 contestant Marque "Tate" Lynche was found unresponsive in his apartment on December 6, 2015. The 34-year-old was then declared dead. As per the reports, he had acute and chronic alcohol problems.
Paula Goodspeed
'American Idol' Season 6 contestant Paula Goodspeed died by suicide by drug overdose. The 30-year-old was found unresponsive in her car just outside her home on November 11, 2008. Paula sang 'Proud Mary' in the audition round of Season 6. Even though she impressed judge Paula Abdul, she did not make it to the Hollywood Week.
Alexis Cohen
'American Idol' Season 7 contestant Alexis Cohen, 25, died on July 5, 2009 in a hit-and-run. The singer couldn't make it to the Hollywood Week in Season 7. She returned in Season 8 with a lot of hope but couldn't make it again.
Michael Johns
'American Idol' Season 7 contestant Michael John was under Top 10. Michael died on August 1, 2014. It was first reported that he died because of a blood clot after an ankle injury. Later, it was unveiled that he had fatty liver and heart disease was the reason for his death. Alcohol abuse reportedly played an important role in Michael's death as per Goldderby.
Joanne Borgella
'American Idol' Season 7 singer Joanne Borgella died because of a rare form of endometrial cancer at the age of 32. She made it to the under Top 12 girls in Season 7. Joanne was not only a good singer but a model as well. In 2005, she was the winner of the title 'Miss F.A.T.'
Haley Smith
'American Idol' Season 11 contestant Haley Smith died in a motorcycle accident. A deer was believed to have interrupted her path which led to the crash. Haley earned a golden ticket in Season 11 but couldn't make it past Hollywood Week.
Willie Spence
'American Idol' Season 19 contestant Willie Spence died on October 11, 2022, in a car accident. He was the runner-up of the ABC show. The singer made an impression on judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan with his song 'Diamonds'.
C J Harris
'American Idol' Season 13 singer C J Harris suffered a cardiac arrest on January 15, 2023. Harris made it to the semifinals of 'American Idol' with his performance on 'Shelter.' He came 6th in the show.
Tune in to ABC on Sunday, February 18 at 8 pm to watch 'American Idol' Season 22.