American Idol Contestants Who Have Died, Get List Of American Idol Contestants Who Have Died
by Subhashree M | Updated Feb 23, 2023
American Idol Wiki
American Idol is an iconic singing competition series that premiered on Fox on June 11, 2002. Created by Simon Fuller and produced by Fremantle North America and 19 Entertainment, the show aired for 15 seasons before going on a two-year hiatus. It was later revived by ABC on March 11, 2018, with new judges and format changes.
Based on the British television show Pop Idol, American Idol features unsigned singing talents from across the United States competing for the chance to become a recording star. The winner of each season is determined by American viewers who cast their votes via phone, internet, and SMS text voting. The show has produced many successful artists, including Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Adam Lambert, who have become bona fide stars.
American Idol has a panel of judges who critique the contestants' performances. The original judges were music manager Randy Jackson, singer and choreographer Paula Abdul, and music executive Simon Cowell. In later seasons, other judges included Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr., Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan.
The show has been a massive success, described as "unparalleled in broadcasting history" by industry experts. It has become a recognized platform for launching the careers of many artists. Billboard magazine reported that in the first ten years of American Idol, it spawned 345 Billboard chart-toppers and a host of pop idols. The show has also been a ratings juggernaut, ranking number one in U.S. television ratings for eight consecutive years, from the 2003–04 season to the 2010–11 season.
American Idol has had a significant impact on the entertainment industry and has been praised for discovering and nurturing new talent. It has become a cultural phenomenon and a pop culture touchstone. Despite changes in the show's format and judges, its popularity has endured, and it continues to be a staple of American television.
List Of American Idol Contestants Who Have Died
S.No
Contestants
1
C.J. Harris
2
Willie Spence
3
Nikki McKibbin
4
Haley Smith
5
Leah LaBelle
6
Rickey Smith
7
Marque 'Tate' Lynch
8
Joanne Borgella
9
Michael Johns
American Idol Contestants Who Have Died?
C.J. Harris
C.J. Harris, who finished in sixth place during the 13th season of American Idol in 2014, passed away on January 15, 2023, at the age of 31. According to a spokesperson for the Walker County Coroner, Harris was rushed to the Walker Baptist Medical Center in Jasper, Alabama, where he was pronounced dead after unsuccessful CPR attempts. Subsequently, his cause of death was revealed to be a heart attack. Harris, a musician and father of two, had announced on January 1 that he had new music on the way. Fellow season 13 Idol contestant Jessica Meuse shared a tribute to Harris on Instagram, expressing her sorrow for the loss of his talent and contagious smile. She also mentioned how much she would miss his random phone calls seeking life advice and discussing the music industry, expressing her frustration at not being able to comprehend why he had to leave so soon.
Willie Spence
After a car accident in Jasper, Tennessee, Willie Spence died at the age of 23 on Oct. 11, 2022. Spence was the runner-up on season 19 of the competition series in 2021. Following his death, American Idol producers released a statement, describing Spence as "a true talent who lit up every room he entered." Numerous members of the American Idol family shared their condolences and memories of Spence, including judge Katy Perry, who was stunned by his voice during his audition, and remarked that it "stops people in their tracks.
Nikki McKibbin
After suffering from an aneurysm, Nikki McKibbin, who placed third in the first season of American Idol, passed away at the age of 42 on Oct. 28, 2020. Her husband, Craig, shared a heartfelt tribute on social media shortly thereafter, revealing that Nikki was kept on life support to be an organ donor. Justin Guarini, a fellow season one contestant, also posted a tribute on Instagram, recalling Nikki's strength and talent. Guarini also remembered the day that Stevie Nicks sent Nikki flowers with a note that read, "You are the Gypsy that I was." In closing, Guarini thanked Nikki for her friendship, love, and vulnerability during their time on the show.
Haley Smith
Haley Smith, who tried out for season 11 of American Idol, passed away in a motorcycle accident in Maine on September 3, 2019, at the age of 26. According to the Millinocket Police Department, the accident happened on Saturday at 2 a.m. in Millinocket, and Smith was pronounced dead at the scene. TMZ, which first reported the news, stated that Smith's father believed that a deer caused the sudden swerve that led to the accident. During her audition in 2012, Smith wowed the judges with her folk-style rendition of the Rufus & Chaka Khan classic "Tell Me Something Good." Despite advancing to Hollywood Week, Smith was eventually eliminated. Steven Tyler, who was a judge on the show at the time, was deeply touched by her singing, saying, "I love your voice so much...You're right out of my era, and I'm honored to be here listening to your voice."
Leah LaBelle
Leah LaBelle and Rasual Butler passed away on Dec. 26, 2018, after Butler reportedly lost control of his Range Rover, hitting a parking meter, flipping, and colliding with a wall in Los Angeles at around 2 a.m. The couple was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. LaBelle, who was 31 years old when she passed away, participated in the third season of American Idol in 2004, where she finished in 12th place after competing against Jennifer Hudson and Fantasia Barrino. Following the tragic news, tributes flooded in for the couple, including a heartfelt message from singer JoJo, who called LaBelle her "beautiful sister from another mister" and shared a tribute on Instagram expressing disbelief and grief over the loss. An autopsy report several months later revealed that Butler had consumed alcohol, marijuana, methamphetamine, and painkillers before the accident.
Rickey Smith
On May 6, 2016, Rickey Smith, a finalist on the second season of American Idol, passed away in Oklahoma after being involved in a wrong-way collision caused by an alleged drunk driver, according to KOCO. Smith was 36 years old at the time of his death. In 2003, Smith finished in eighth place on the show, behind Kimberley Locke, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, and Kim Caldwell. Following the tragic news, Aiken expressed his sorrow on Twitter, saying, "Suffice it to say my heart is truly breaking today... Heaven's choir has a new beautiful voice. I love you and will miss you, Rickey." Studdard also shared his condolences on Instagram, saying, "I sit here in utter disbelief about the fact that you went to be with the Lord. I think back on all the fun times we had... How much fun we all had on our very first tour." The passing of Smith was mourned by many, and his talent and kind spirit will not be forgotten.
Marque 'Tate' Lynch
Marque 'Tate' Lynch, a former Mousketeer on the All New Mickey Mouse Club and a contestant on season 3 of American Idol, passed away on Dec. 6, 2015, in his New York City apartment. He was 34 years old. Lynch starred alongside Britney Spears, Ryan Gosling, Justin Timberlake, and Christina Aguilera on the Disney Channel show from 1993 to 1995. Afterward, he auditioned for American Idol and made it to the Top 36 in season 3. Months after his death, the New York City Chief Medical Examiner revealed that Lynch died from "acute and chronic alcoholism," according to a public information officer. Dale Godboldo, who worked with Lynch on the All New Mickey Mouse Club and on an MMC-related project, paid tribute to his former co-star, saying that Lynch was "hugely talented" and had "a passion for life." Godboldo added that Lynch "only wanted to spread love and inspiration."
Joanne Borgella
Joanne Borgella, who competed on season 7 of American Idol, passed away on Oct. 18, 2014, at the age of 32, after being diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Throughout her battle with the disease, the singer would regularly update her fans on her health. Borgella's family announced her death on her Facebook fan page, praising her faith, courage and strength in the face of adversity. "We know her spirit still shines and will continue to live on in heaven," they wrote. Apart from her time on American Idol, Borgella was also featured on MTV's MADE and Oxygen network's Mo'Nique's Fat Chance, and was signed to Wilhelmina Models.
Michael Johns
Michael Johns, who gained national attention as a contestant on season 7 of American Idol, passed away on August 1, 2014, at the age of 35. Johns was originally believed to have died from a blood clot in his ankle, but the Orange County coroner's office later determined that his cause of death was dilated cardiomyopathy, a condition that causes the heart to become weakened and enlarged.Following Johns' death, his family released a statement expressing their grief and thanking everyone for their support during this difficult time. Many of Johns' fellow American Idol alumni, including Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Paula Abdul, also paid tribute to him online.A month-and-a-half later, a celebration of Michael Johns' life was held at the El Rey Theatre in Los Angeles. The event was hosted by Johns' friend David Foster and featured performances by a number of musicians, including Ruben Studdard, Brooke White, Katie McGhie, Graham Russell of Air Supply, Steven Van Zandt of the E Street Band, and Peter Cetera of Chicago.Johns' widow, Stacey, said that she wanted the memorial to be a "rock 'n' roll celebration" of his life. She was pleased with the turnout and the number of people who wanted to perform at the event. "I was surprised at all the people who reached out about singing," she told PEOPLE.Michael Johns was a talented musician who touched the lives of many during his time on American Idol and beyond. He will be remembered for his kind spirit, his love of music, and the joy he brought to those around him.
American Idol Contestants Who Have Died - FAQs
Some of the American Idol contestants who have died include Michael Johns, Leah LaBelle, Rickey Smith, Joanne Borgella, and Alexis Cohen, among others.
The causes of death for these American Idol contestants varied, and included car accidents, cancer, and other tragic incidents. Michael Johns and Rickey Smith both died in car accidents, while Leah LaBelle was killed in a car crash. Joanne Borgella passed away from cancer, and Alexis Cohen was killed in a hit-and-run accident.
The deaths of these American Idol contestants were undoubtedly felt by the show's fans and the wider music community. Many of these individuals had made a name for themselves on the show and were beloved by their fans, so their passing was a significant loss. However, their legacies and contributions to the music industry live on, and they continue to be remembered and celebrated by those who loved them.