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While many budding musicians got their big breaks on the American Idol stage through the years, a handful lost their lives not long afterward.
Nikki McKibbin, who appeared alongside Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini on season 1, died in November 2020 at the age of 42. The Fear Factor alum, who finished in third place on the competition’s debut season in 2002, suffered a brain aneurysm several weeks before her death.
“She would already be gone, but she’s an organ donor and has been kept on life support to make that possible,” McKibbin’s husband, Craig Sadler, wrote via Facebook at the time. “That shouldn’t be a surprise to us. Even at the end she is still giving. She was so loved that I know thousands of you will be grieving with us. There are only a few hours left for me to hold her hand and kiss her forehead.”
McKibbin is not the only American Idol alum who has passed away after their reality TV tenure. Scroll below for more of American Idol’s biggest tragedies through the years:
Doug Kiker
Kiker, who appeared on Idol season 18 in 2020, died five years later in March 2025. He was 32.
“It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of my brother, Douglas Kiker,” his sister Angela wrote via Facebook. “He was sooo loved and will be missed by so many! You’re singing with the angels now Bubba. Please pray for our family as we go [through] this very difficult time.”
Kellie Pickler’s Husband Kyle Jacobs
Jacobs died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound on February 17, 2023. He was 49.
“Nashville’s Department of Emergency Communications received a 911 call at 1:21 p.m. Friday from a home on Sneed Road in the police department’s West Precinct. Officers and Nashville Fire Department personnel responded and located resident Kyle Jacobs, 49, deceased from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound in an upstairs bedroom/office. His death is being investigated as an apparent suicide,” the Metropolitan Nashville Police told Variety in a statement at the time. “Mr. Jacobs’ wife, Kellie Pickler, reported that she awoke a short time earlier, did not see her husband, and began looking for him. After she and her personal assistant were unable to open the door to the upstairs bedroom/office, the assistant telephoned 911.”
Willie Spence
The Georgia native passed away in October 2022 after sustaining injuries in a car accident in Tennessee, according to a local news outlet. He was 23.
Katharine McPhee mourned the “tragic” loss in an Instagram Story at the time, reflecting on the time she shared with Spence as a mentor during season 19 of the singing competition. “Life is so unfair and nothing is ever promised. God rest your soul Willie. It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you,” she wrote at the time.
Nikki McKibbin
After being diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, McKibbin died in November 2020. She was 42.
“Nikki was a superstar the moment she walked into auditions – she set the bar high with her talent and memorable stage presence,” American Idol host Ryan Seacrest tweeted at the time. “It was an honor to watch her grow and inspire millions of people. Our hearts go out to her family, friends, and fans who are grieving this tragic loss.”
Leah LaBelle
LaBelle, who rose to fame as a contestant on season 3 in 2004, died after a January 2018 car accident at the age of 31. The musician and her husband, NBA athlete Rasual Butler, were both in the car when Butler lost control. The twosome are survived by the late Chicago Bulls athlete’s daughter from a previous relationship, Raven Butler.
“.@leahlabelle was beautiful & had the voice of an ANGEL. She was my wild card pick on @AmericanIdol,” former judge Paula Abdul tweeted. “I’m heartbroken to know that she & her husband @RasualButler45 have passed away. What a horrible tragedy. I send my love and deepest condolences to her family and friends.”
Rickey Smith
The season 2 finalist was killed in a May 2016 car accident. He was 36. TMZ reported at the time that Smith was driving on the highway in Oklahoma City when another car caused a head-on collision.
Joanne Borgella
Borgella, a season 7 contestant, died at the age of 32 following a long battle with endometrial cancer.
“To God be the glory! With heavy hearts, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Joanne,” her family wrote in an October 2014 statement shared via Facebook. “On Saturday, October 18, 2014, at 5:45AM, Joanne Borgella Ramirez was called by the Lord to heaven. At an early age, Joanne made a choice to serve and trust the Lord; and since her diagnosis over a year ago, Joanne made a choice to also be a fighter and share her journey with the world. Her faith, courage and strength were unshaken throughout every obstacle she encountered. Although our family is suffering with this great loss, we find comfort in the closeness Joanne shared with the Lord. We know her spirit still shines and will continue to live on in heaven.”
Michael Johns
Johns, who also competed on season 7, died in August 2014 after suffering from a blood clot in his ankle, according to The Hollywood Reporter. He was 35.
“I just heard the very sad news that Michael Johns has passed away,” Simon Cowell tweeted at the time, remembering Johns’ eighth-place finish. “A truly great guy. Rest in peace Michael.”
Haley Smith
Smith’s father, Mike Smith, told TMZ after her death that he believed a deer may have caused the fatal motorcycle accident, noting that Haley was a “good rider” and likely lost control.
Marque ‘Tate’ Lynch
The All-New Mickey Mouse Club alum briefly competed on season 3 of American Idol, getting eliminated ahead of the Top 12 cut. Lynche was found dead in his New York apartment in December 2015. The musician, who was 34 at the time, reportedly died of acute and chronic alcoholism, per TMZ.
CJ Harris
Harris, who finished in the top six in the 2014 season of the reality show, died after suffering an apparent heart attack, his family told TMZ in January 2023. The season 13 alum was 31.
Fans of the show may remember then-judge Keith Urban gushing about Harris’ voice, telling him: “You sing ’cause you have to sing, not ’cause you want to sing. … I mean that in the deepest way. And that’s why it’s so believable and real.”