Americas Got Talent contestant Nightbirde dies after - CNN He was 41. ': Katy Perry emotionally reacts to school shooting survivor's story on 'American Idol', Brian May talks Queen's revival: 'We would never be doing this now if it weren't for Adam Lambert', 20 years after 'American Idol' launch, Randy Jackson says singing shows are 'too nice': 'There's very little truth being told', Follow Lyndsey on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Amazon, American singer-songwriter, musician, record producer and actor, she was a guest performer during Season 8, The It List: Menudo docuseries makes the case for Menendez brothers' innocence, new doc sheds light on early years of King Charles, Megan Fox goes blonde in 'Johnny & Clyde' and all the best in pop culture the week of May 1, 2023. American Idol finale: And the final Idol winner is Mileys mom Tish Cyrus confirms engagement to Prison Break vet Dominic Purcell, Stanley Tucci faced awful cancer treatment and hes grateful: I wouldnt be around, This Barbie is a Hollywood legend: Mattel debuts elegant Anna May Wong doll, Aerosmith is saying farewell with Peace Out tour, which hits L.A. in December. McKibbins husband, Craig Sadler, confirmed her death in a Facebook post, saying that she had died after suffering a brain aneurysm on Wednesday and was taken off life support early Sunday. On September 3, 2019, it was reported that Haley Smith, who auditioned for season 11 of American Idol, had died in a motorcycle crash in Maine. BRENTWOOD, CALIFORNIA: The Top 12 of Season 21 of 'American Idol' sang songs by performers inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 30, 2023. And once again, America had chosen to eliminate Lucy and Nutsa. Watch the scarysegment in the video above. Two Mississippi contestants survived Monday night's "American Idol" episode after viewers voted to keep them on the show as the Top 20 contestants were whittled This was the big Zach attack Id been craving last week. Willie Spence, a singer who placed second on American Idol in 2021, died in a car accident in Tennessee on Tuesday, according to multiple reports. That was an enjoyable session to watch., In April 2021, Spence released his debut EP, The Voice, followed by singles Never Be Alone and The Living Years.. Later, Lionel was seeninforming Ronda that even before Funke collapsed, the judges had decided to send both singers to the next round. Im so emotional about what you just did. But instead, this Southerner just went back to playing it safe with some Allman Brothers. I dont think Tyson chose badly here, but the issue with most Stevie songs is they tend to sound old-fashioned as opposed to timeless when done by anyone but Stevie. Find out who should. So congratulations! We send our condolences to his loved ones., I love you Willie, American Idol panelist Katy Perry commented on the post. ", Related: American Idol stars pay tribute to former contestant Nikki McKibbin after she dies, aged 42. He was 41. She was part of our American Idol family and will be truly missed. We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence, read a statement on the American Idol Instagram page. Purest soul. I grew up in the church, playing gospel music and singing in the choir. Interested in Digital Spy's weekly newsletter? Chayce Beckham was the winner. ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) Nikki McKibbin, a singer from Texas best known for her third place finish in the first season of American Idol, has died. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA Enterprise and the Google. The Smash star also shared a video that Spence posted on Instagram right before his accident. In the clip, Spence passionately belts Selahs You Are My Hiding Place in his car. Where was that Stevie Ray Vaughan solo? But she and her fellow judges couldnt get enough of Olivers lovely voice, so they just encouraged himself to keep pushing himself creatively and putting his own stamp on his covers. Katy agreed with Adams comments and said she wanted to see a little of an electric [element]. Man, I need a drink. 11 min read. We want more big star out of you. She was previously a Times intern after graduating from UCLA and has also worked at Variety, the Hollywood Reporter and CNN. The 17-year-old first wowed the judges with his Haven Madison took the stage to sing a Bon Jovi classic, but many were dissatisfied with her "karaoke-like" performance, with many blaming her father for forcing his ambition onto On the precursor to American Idol, Danesh made it all the way to the top three with eventual winner Will Young and runner-up Gareth Gates. He Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Just to know that so many people support me and enjoy what I do means more than anything in the world.. Her husband did not say where she died. As for Nutsa,she was alwaysalready so over-the-top, I feared that her covering Queens The Show Must Go On (another ironic song choice, considering its title), would just be way too much. Before he could finish his first sentence to her, Funke collapsed face-first onstage. Tonight on American Idol, the competition heats up as the Top 12 contestants perform for superstar judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Night. It was still an unhinged performance Ryan said he burned calories just watching her, and she had lipstick on her chin by the songs end but it kind of worked. An American Idol contestant experienced a startling health scare just as the judges were revealing her future with the show. -- A finalist on American Idol has died in a vehicle crash in Tennessee. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Nikki McKibbin (season 1) Nikki McKibbin was part of the very first season of BRENTWOOD, CALIFORNIA: The Top 12 of Season 21 of ' American Idol ' sang songs by performers inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on April 30, 2023. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. Im always delighted to hear ABBA covers in any TV singing competiton, especially when a radical-remake rearrangement proves just what great songcrafters Bjrn, Benny, Agnetha, and Anni-Frid always were. I can calm down, relax and be myself. "I just am worried about her health, that's the number one thing. There is no way people cant love you, Luke summed up. "Reality check: Out of 10,000 people, you are third. Former American Idol contestant C.J. "We're Adam was bored with Olivers original acoustic arrangement of the Ray Charles classic, and wanted more edge and more of a journey. I do think the island/reggae vibes Oliver added to his final version livened things up a bit, but his performance was still too laid-back and safe. By Julianne McShane. (Robb Cohen / Invision / Associated Press), Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, American Idol was a game-changer in television and beyond. Adam was impressed that Madison, with the help of her pro-musician father, was making the song her own high praise from one of the biggest song-flippers in the history of this series. Nikki McKibbin was an incredible talent and we are deeply saddened by the news of her passing, the TV show said in a statement posted on Twitter. Jessica Meuse, who starred alongside Harris on season 13 ofIdol,took to Instagram on Monday to share a tribute to C.J. Harris, who placed sixth on the shows 13th season in 2014, has passed away. "What I was going to say is, we both feel you two deserve to go through. He was 23. McKibbins husband, Craig Sadler, confirmed her death in a Facebook post, saying that she had died after suffering a brain aneurysm on Wednesday and was taken off life support early Sunday. But she got an A for effort, I guess. "What an incredible journey this has been, McKibbin said before leaving the stage. 1:37. But during rehearsals, his clear kindred spirit, fellow showman Adam, encouraged him to do the ELO rollerdisco stomper, telling him, Its got attitude. She loved so many of you and I know you loved her too.. His debut single Colourblind bowed at No. Wyatt Pike, right, duets with Ben Rector on American Idol on April 4. Last Monday on American Idol Season 21, when the top 20 became the top 12, a whopping eight divas were up for elimination, and the judges chose to save two of them: soulful belter Lucy Love, and flashy Vegas-style entertainer Nutsa. Cause of death: Harris was 31 years old when he died after suffering cariac arrest. 1 on the U.K. Official Singles Chart in July 2002 and reigned atop the list for two weeks. Fellow American Idol alum Katharine McPhee, who mentored and performed with Spence during Season 19, mourned the singer Tuesday on Instagram. Spoiler alert: If you havent watched the Season 15 finale and want to be surprised by the outcome, be warned that the winner and details of the show are revealed below. Katy Perry is set to be temporarily replaced on American Idol by a big-time star. Digital Spy participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. Your confidence is just staring us in the face. Singer Funke Lagoke was joined by her She was taken to hospital and treated for dehydration. It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darius Campbell Danesh, his family said in a statement to the BBC. https://popculture.com/reality-tv/news/american-idol-contestants-died-over-years Show history: The Jasper, Alabama native competed on She was so loved that I know thousands of you will be grieving with us, Sadler said. I just want her to know I care about her and I want her to be okay.". Sign up to get it sent straight to your inbox and don't forget to join our Watch This Facebook Group for daily TV recommendations and discussions with other readers. Im having a lot more fun than I did on the TV show.. This is just magic. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. But it allowed Iam to be more rangy and soulful than hed ever sounded before. But no one could've predicted that Katy would run off the stage after hearing contestant Normandy s voice. It wasnt at the level of Haley Reinhart, who had a breakthrough moment with this classic in Season 10, but it was still a moment. All Rights Reserved. American Idol showed off its new stage in Hollywood on Sunday night to celebrate the 21st season of the show. American Idol contestant Funke Lagoke was rushed to hospital after collapsing on stage during the show's Hollywood Week round. I looked at Katys face a couple of times, and Id never seen her look like that it was quite distorted! chuckled Luke, adding, It was mesmerizing. WebAn American Idol contestant was rushed to the hospital after collapsing on stage during the most recent episode of the TV singing contest. Gracious in defeat, McKibbin tearfully hugged her fellow contestants when she was voted out in 2002. McKibbin's son, Tristen Langley, told The New York Times that his mother died in Arlington, Texas. After the medical professionals took Funke off on a stretcher, Lionel walked over to Ronda and told her that both she and Funke would be continuing on in the competition. American Idol continues on Sunday (March 28) on ABC in the US. When Luke praised Funke's voice, Katy replied that "she wasn't perfect!". You are the one, she said. Willie Spence performs at Atlantas Symphony Hall in 2021. Harris, who competed on Season 13 and placed sixth overall, died Sunday at age 31 following a medical emergency, a Later, the show confirmed that Funke had gone on to make a full recovery, having been treated for dehydration, and she will return for the upcoming Showstopper Round. Having the most fun shed ever had onstage in her life, she delivered what Luke called the huge step-out moment of a massive star. Lionel added, You were ready for this! Although Harris death was confirmed by a spokesperson for the Walker County Coroners Office, an official cause of death has not yet been released. The often acid-tongued Simon Cowell was equally gracious. In 2014, Harris spoke about his experience on the hit Fox series in an interview withAL.com. Your source for entertainment news, celebrities, celeb news, and celebrity gossip. The Top 10 contestants advanced to the judges' song contest with their stirring performances. Two Mississippi contestants survived Monday night's "American Idol" episode after viewers voted to keep them on the show as the Top 20 contestants were whittled down to the Top 12 following voting on Sunday night's live performances.Colin Stough, 18, of Gattman, and Zachariah Smith, 19, of Amory were among the Top 12 contestants revealed He was 23. Hopefully winning a Grammy one day, thats where I see myself in five years. Luckily, she ended up being OK, with an on-screen message telling viewers that Funke was treated for dehydration and released from the hospital. (Photo: ABC) Last She loved so many of you and I know you loved her too.. Ditching the good-luck-charm guitar that belonged to his late father something that Luke called a huge step and brave thing, and Lionel said was important moment was a risk. McKibbins husband, Craig Sadler, confirmed her death in a Facebook post, saying that she had died after suffering a brain aneurysm on Wednesday and was taken off life support early Sunday. Singer Nolan Neal who appeared on the competition shows Americas Got Talent and The Voice was found dead Monday. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry. W was waffling between covering Etta James or Tina Turner, so she brought the best of both awesome worlds to the stage and did a completely ferocious, Tina-like Etta cover. 'American Idol' contestant Nikki McKibbin dies at age 42 The Texas singer appeared on American Idol in 2002, when the show started and became an instant hit. Later in his career, Danesh was also a regular figure on the West End, starring as Billy Flynn in Chicago, Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls and Rhett Butler in Gone with the Wind. ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) Nikki McKibbin, a singer from Texas best known for her third place finish in the first season of American Idol, has died. In Monday night's episode (March 22), the singer had performed Barbara Streisand's 'Tell Him' with duets partner Ronda Felton and was in the middle of receiving feedback from judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie when she fell to the floor face-first. A 23-year-old from Grand Prairie, Texas, McKibbin impressed the judges with soulful performances of songs by Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks and a stirring cover of Alanna Myles song Black Velvet.. He was a true talent who lit up every room he entered and will be deeply missed. "What an incredible journey this has been, McKibbin said before leaving the stage. Harris, the former "American Idol" contestant whose soulful voice wowed the judges and whose sweet demeanor won him legions of Willie Spence, the American Idol runner-up in the 2021 Season 19 of the competition series, died Tuesday from injuries sustained in a car accident in Tennessee. Following the show, he signed a deal with Mercury Records and wound up releasing two solo albums: 2002s Dive In and 2004s Live Twice. Entertainment Television, LLC A Division of NBCUniversal. Below are the 10 performances from Sundays surviving singers. McKibbin's son, Tristen Langley, told The New York Times that his mother died in Arlington, Texas. After all, Adam first met his future employers, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Queen, on his seasons finale. After finishing sixth on season 13 of Idol, Harris toured with the rest of the cast that summer. "Wow, she completely busted her chin open, y'all," a nervous-looking Luke explained as he approached the stage, while Lionel and the on-set paramedics rushed over too. Web'American Idol' finalist Nikki McKibbin has died after suffering an aneurysm. She ignored that advice and stuck with her original song choice, but to be fair, she did try to heed Adams instructions to be more angelic. And I think she did a solid job, leaning into her showgirl strengths while toning down some of her trademark razzle-dazzle pageant gimmicks. She was 26 years The season 2 finalist was killed in a May 2016 car accident. COMPLEX participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means COMPLEX gets paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. Adam suggested a Stevie Wonder song for Tyson because theres a certain sweetness to this young pop crooner but interestingly, he left it up to Tyson to figure out exactly which tune. Now, when I get on stage in front of these crowds, it doesnt matter if I have my eyes closed. "I was about to deliver some news so I thought I should deliver it to you," the 'All Night Long' crooner began, surprising Ronda and the audience alike having initially told the hopefuls that their lack of confidence had caused their set to "crash and burn". We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Goes Out newsletter, with the week's best events, to help you explore and experience our city. The Scottish singer placed third on the inaugural season of the British precursor to 'American Idol.'. Life is so unfair and nothing is ever promised. Michael Johns, seen here in 2013, was a season 7 competitor on American Idol. He died in August 2014 after complications from a blood clot in his ankle, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 35. Simon Cowell shared the news. She was 42. As Katy told her, The word nuts is in your name, and you will be Nutsa, forever and always.. Last week, Colin had a huge breakthrough covering Robyns Dancing on My Own, but that was just a victory-lap performance. But this week, as Lucy, Nutsa, and the other remaining semifinalists returned to compete on Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Night, those two ladies found out they wont be in Idols Class of 2023. ARLINGTON, Texas Nikki McKibbin, a singer from Texas best known for her third place finish in the first season of American Idol, has died. ``Youve got a career ahead of you.. (Eric McCandless/ABC) Gift. You brought the party to the stage! said Lionel. See the Nutsa was spared by the judges on last week's episode of ' American Idol ' on ABC with Lucy and proceeded to the show's Top 12 along with ten other singers. Based on Sundays performances, as well as this show's overall voting patterns which have favored male and folk/country/rock contestants, I think the singers most in danger are Marybeth Byrd, Haven Madison, Zachariah Smith, and Tyson Venegas. I received very tragic news tonight, McPhee wrote. A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? And this time, the judges could not save either of them. By the time he was finished, the sweet island crooner, who is quickly becoming the odds-on favorite to win Season 21, had the audience cheering so enthusiastically that Katys critique was barely audible above the din. Your talent and smile will be missed, and the world is definitely a darker and eerily quieter place without you in it, she wrote. Why is Frank McCourt really pushing it? Temperatures stay in the 70s for much of this week! Its going to take hard work, but I think I can do it.. Visit Billboard Pro for music business news, Taylor Swift Thanks Atlanta for So Many Breathtaking Moments After Eras TourShows, JoJo Siwa Pays Tribute to Her Dog Tooie After Fatal Accident: Now in PuppyHeaven, Lizzo, Olivia Rodrigo, Dolly Parton & More Named to Peoples Beautiful Issue. 'American Idol' contestant Michael Johns dies "American Idol" contestant Michael Johns, who appeared in season 7 of the hit Fox singing competition and was Related: The Masked Dancer US reveals Exotic Bird as American Idol winner. What you just did will stand up in any room at the Grammys, any awards show Ive ever been to. In an Instagram Story post, she wrote, "Thank you all so much for the love, support & kind words. I cant even hear myself talk! BBC music reporter Former American Idol contestant Nikki McKibbin has died in the US at the age of 42. As for the two hours leading up to this double-elimination, Sundays episode was full of full-circle moments for Season 8 runner-up Lambert. But W Ani is real outlier who could flip that whole script. She was 42. Im a mess. It didnt work well enough, obviously, but the lady didnt go down without a fight, which Luke admired. Many television shows have changed something the nature of comedy, the fate of a network, certain cultural attitudes, the industry pay scale, public tolerance of graphic imagery, the sophistication of storytelling or just far too many womens hairstyles. In a statement, American Idol sent its condolences to McKibbin's family and friends. While Lionel (and Luke) noted that the song started a bit too low for Warren, once the performance fired up, his roaring voice which Katy described a as a bottle of grit resonated perfectly with it. Warrens star just keeps rising this season. Willie Spence, 23, died Tuesday after hitting the rear of a tractor-trailer that was stopped on the shoulder of Interstate 24 East near Chattanooga, according to news outlets, which cited a Tennessee Highway Patrol report. TheAlabama native was rushedto the Walker Baptist Medical Center in Jasper, where he was later pronounced dead. Adam Lambert talks 'Witch Hunt' tour, lifelong love of makeup: 'I didn't know any other boys who painted their faces after school', It's not ladies' night, and the feeling's not right: 8 divas land in 'American Idol' bottom 10, Adam Lambert talks 'High Drama' album, full-circle Jobriath cover: 'I know what my brand is now, more than ever', 'Our country has f***ing failed us! Her husband did not say where she died. Theyll be back Monday for the Judges Song Contest, after which only seven will advance. Queen Charlotte review: A Bridgerton triumph, Michelle Yeoh stars in trailer for new Poirot film, EastEnders announces eating disorder story for Ben, I'm a Celebrity airs trial twist for new campers, American Idol controversy after Katy Perry's joke, Adam Lambert says ABC banned him for on-air kiss, American Idol confirms judge Katy Perry to return, American Idol contestant drops out of the show, Why Arthur Gunn dropped out of American Idol final, American Idol's future has been confirmed, American Idol axes star as racist video resurfaces, American Idol contestant collapses on stage after auditioning in front of judges, DIGITAL SPY, PART OF THE HEARST UK ENTERTAINMENT NETWORK. Rickey Smith. Among the hopefuls was Tyson Venegas, who serenades judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, to grab a spot in the Top 10. The cause of his sudden death is unknown at this stage while medical examinations continue, the statement went on. American Idol contestant Funke Lagoke passed out onstage during the March 22 episode, just as judges were about to reveal her future with the show. Nikki McKibbin was an incredible talent and we are deeply saddened by the news of her passing. Get exclusive videos, blogs, photos, cast bios, free episodes and more. McKibbin, a singer from Texas best known for her third place finish in the first season of "American Idol," died Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020.