'The Voice' singer Janice Freeman dies at 33, Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Hudson pay tribute
Tributes poured in from all quarters for 'The Voice' artist Janice Freeman, who reportedly died at the age of 33 years on Saturday.
First among those to mourn the passing away of the talented singer were Miley Cyrus and Jannifer Hudson, who were the judges on Season 13 of the NBC show in 2017 when Freeman was a contestant.
Freeman's death was confirmed by her management in a statement posted on Sunday to Freeman's Instagram Stories.
"We are heartbroken to report that Janice Marie Freeman passed away … from an extreme case of pneumonia and a blood clot that traveled to her heart," the statement read. "While at home her husband Dion performed CPR until the ambulance arrived. She passed away at a local hospital shortly after."
The singer gained attention on the musical TV show with her soulful rendition of Imagine Dragons' 'Radioactive,' which made both Hudson and Cyrus turn their chairs during the blind auditions. Freeman, ultimately joined Miley's team on the show, reports USA Today.
She made fans fall in love with her vocals, along with her inspiring story of overcoming many obstacles, including beating cervical cancer and living with lupus, an autoimmune disease. "I've definitely been singing all my life but I've had so many obstacles that constantly try to stop that," an emotional Freeman said on the show after a performance.
Even after appearing on the show — with Freeman finishing in the top 11 — she and Cyrus kept in touch, with Freeman revealing that the 'Wrecking Ball' singer covered half a year of expenses for her family when she fell on hard times. "(Cyrus) found us placement until we found permanent housing, gave me the deposit, covered me for 6 months so I can get on my feet!" Freeman tweeted.
She continued, "@MileyCyrus you are one of my closest friends and what you did for me and my family. I'm praying GOD gives you the desire of your heart!"
As soon as Cyrus got the news of Freeman's untimely death, she took to her Instagram Stories to mourn her friend and former team member.
Sharing a picture of a rainbow Sunday, the singer wrote: "Thank you @janicefreeman ... for everything. This represents you perfectly."
Even Hudson paid her respects to the powerhouse singer on social media. "The voice of hers we got to hear and the bit of life we got to watch her live was a blessing and inspiration to us all!" the former 'Voice' coach wrote on Instagram Sunday. "My heart and prayers go out to @janicefreeman daughter and family!"
