Former American Idol contestant C.J. 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. Unfortunately, Spence is one of several Idol contestants who have died since they appeared on the show. Before Spence's death, the most recent Idol contestant who passed away was Nikki McKibbin. She was one of the first Idol singers, having appeared in the show's first season. She suffered a brain aneurysm and was only 42. Temperatures stay in the 70s for much of this week! (AP Photo/Lucy Nicholson, File), WATCH LIVE: Polis to announce plan to reduce property taxes. 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. The local police department have confirmed that there were no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances. 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.. Gracious in defeat, McKibbin tearfully hugged her fellow contestants when she was voted out in 2002. Digital Spy's digital magazine is back! Your source for entertainment news, celebrities, celeb news, and celebrity gossip. It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.. -- A finalist on American Idol has died in a vehicle crash in Tennessee. Ill miss your random phone calls asking for life advice and talking about the music world There are a lot of things I realize I will never understand you leaving us so soon is one of those things.. McKibbin appeared on American Idol in 2002, when the show started and became an instant hit. 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. Life is so unfair and nothing is ever promised. It didnt work well enough, obviously, but the lady didnt go down without a fight, which Luke admired. ``Youve got a career ahead of you.. Im having a lot more fun than I did on the TV show.. Your confidence is just staring us in the face. Sigh. After the first round of cuts Ironically, Lucy went home after singing a song that she'd selected specifically to celebrate Lionel, the judge who had championed her all season and rallied the hardest to save her last week. 2023 E! 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. After the first live coast-to-coast voting of Season 21 which host Ryan Seacrest said generated more than 22 million real-time votes America had spoken, once again, loud and clear. Tyson Venegas, a Canadian teen from Port Moody, B.C., has made it to the Top 12 on this season of American Idol. Entertainment Television, LLC A Division of NBCUniversal. Her husband did not say where she died. American Idol contestant Funke Lagoke was rushed to hospital after collapsing on stage during the show's Hollywood Week round. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. Her husband did not say where she died. Just to know that so many people support me and enjoy what I do means more than anything in the world.. (AP Photo/Lucy Nicholson, File) The 17-year-old first wowed the judges with his 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. But she got an A for effort, I guess. 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. Im a mess. Its the same space where I Love Lucy and 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. The Top 10 contestants advanced to the judges' song contest with their stirring performances. American Idol contestant Funke Lagoke was rushed to hospital after collapsing on stage during the show's Hollywood Week round. 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. 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.. His debut single Colourblind bowed at No. McKibbin's son, Tristen Langley, told The New York Times that his mother died in Arlington, Texas. This is just magic. https://popculture.com/reality-tv/news/american-idol-contestants-died-over-years Singer Funke Lagoke was joined by her 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 '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. (Eric McCandless/ABC) Gift. Every time I get into my bed right after a show, I still cant believe Ive been on stage. She was 42. In Monday night's episode Fellow American Idol alum Katharine McPhee, who mentored and performed with Spence during Season 19, mourned the singer Tuesday on Instagram. Died: January 15, 2023. COMPLEX participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means COMPLEX gets paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. McKibbin placed third on the show's first season in 2002. 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. "I think it's the end of the road for Funke," Katy told Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. -- A finalist on American Idol has died in a vehicle crash in Tennessee. Its playful. "What an incredible journey this has been, McKibbin said before leaving the stage. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this difficult time. I just want my voice to reach the world and share my gift, he told the judges at his Idol audition. The often acid-tongued Simon Cowell was equally gracious. Darius Campbell Danesh poses for a promotional photoshoot prior to the launch of his new single "Colourblind" at the London recording studio on July 28, 2002 in London. 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. 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. She loved so many of you and I know you loved her too.. Christi Carras is an entertainment reporter at the Los Angeles Times. Hollywood Week continued on "American Idol" Monday night, bringing plenty of duet drama and tense moments. But W Ani is real outlier who could flip that whole script. Chayce Beckham was the winner. I feel like Ive been in a two-hour treadmill/stairclimbing session, Luke laughed. Lucy Love and Nutsa flank 'American Idol' Season 21 contestant Marybeth Byrd as they learn their fate. Related: The Masked Dancer US reveals Exotic Bird as American Idol winner. Man, I need a drink. Interested in Digital Spy's weekly newsletter? I cant even hear myself talk! She was so loved that I know thousands of you will be grieving with us, Sadler said. After the performance, the judges conferred privately, and cameras picked up some of their criticism, particularly from Katy Perry. He Im so emotional about what you just did. McKibbin, a singer from Texas best known for her third place finish in the first season of "American Idol," died Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020. I know that was traumatic. Harris, the former "American Idol" contestant whose soulful voice wowed the judges and whose sweet demeanor won him legions of 1 on the U.K. Official Singles Chart in July 2002 and reigned atop the list for two weeks. She was 42. There is no way people cant love you, Luke summed up. The Texas singer appeared on American Idol in 2002, when the show started and became an instant hit. 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 Luckily, she ended up being OK, with an on-screen message telling viewers that Funke was treated for dehydration and released from the hospital. Former American Idol finalist Willie Spence died Tuesday from injuries sustained in a car crash in Tennessee, according to Georgia news outlet Douglas Now. The Scottish performer first burst onto the U.K.s national spotlight on the short-lived 2001 reality seriesPopstars, where he made a splash with his inventive, octave-leaping cover of Britney Spears Baby One More Time. At the time, judge Nigel Lythgoe labeled him a show-off for his theatrics, but Danesh pivoted after his elimination by auditioning for Pop Idol later that same year. WebAn American Idol contestant was rushed to the hospital after collapsing on stage during the most recent episode of the TV singing contest. Youre just Zachariah, and theres no one else like you, said Katy. ': 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. 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. 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. McKibbin, a singer from Texas best known for her third place finish in the first season of "American Idol," died Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020. See the 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. And once again, America had chosen to eliminate Lucy and Nutsa. In 2014, Harris spoke about his experience on the hit Fox series in an interview withAL.com. Aug. 2, 2014. 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. 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. I love how you made that you, said Luke. Among the hopefuls was Tyson Venegas, who serenades judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, to grab a spot in the Top 10. 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. 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. American Idol contestant Funke Lagoke collapsed face-first onto the stage during Mondays episode while waiting to hear if she would advance in the competition. Funke Lagoke performed a duet of "Tell Him" withfellow contestantRonda Felton during the Monday, March 22 episode. He was 23. She was 42. All rights reserved. TYSON VENEGAS, WARREN PEAY, HAVEN MADISON, LUCY LOVE, OLIVER STEELE, COLIN STOUGH, MARYBETH BYRD, W ANI, NUTSA, MEGAN DANIELLE, But no one could've predicted that Katy would run off the stage after hearing contestant Normandy s voice. You are the one, she said. In a statement, American Idol sent its condolences to McKibbin's family and friends. Now that he was performing again for actual votes, I was hoping for another genre/gender-flip of a pop song how about some Madonna, Janet, or Whitney? His debut single, In Love, was released in 2019. "What an incredible journey this has been, McKibbin said before leaving the stage. C.J. 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. Find out who should. You brought the party to the stage! said Lionel. He was 41. 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Im glad that Zachariah, wearing a sequined blazer that looked like itd been nicked from Adams walk-in wardrobe, took this advice not just because Electric Light Orchestra isnt covered nearly enough on these talent shows, but because his Dont Bring Me Down really brought the mood up, up, up. 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. You, my friend, are so gifted, Richie said. But honestly, once the band kicked in, her version of Bon Jovis arena anthem wasnt all that different from the original; Id expected something more along the lines of Season 7 contestant Brooke Whites folky acoustic remake of future Hall inductee Pat Benatars Love Is a Battlefield. I wish Haven, a skilled singer-songwriter herself, had done something by, say, Joni Mitchell or Carole King, rather than a bombastic rock song that was way too big for her voice. He was 41. And this time, the judges could not save either of them. She was 42. As Katy told her, The word nuts is in your name, and you will be Nutsa, forever and always.. Gracious in defeat, McKibbin tearfully hugged her fellow contestants when she was voted out in 2002. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. The crowd is saying it all for us, said Lionel. Former American Idol contestant C.J. 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Cause of death: Harris was 31 years old when he died after suffering cariac arrest. RELATED 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. Harris, who placed sixth on the shows 13th season in 2014, has passed away. 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 his 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. What Adam Lambert told you was so right: You are the reason American Idol works, said a verge-of-tears Luke. "I just am worried about her health, that's the number one thing. We ask that you kindly respect our wishes for privacy at this time whilst we come to terms with the tragic loss of our son and brother.. Pronstico local: Se esperan temperaturas en los 70 con tormentas aisladas esta semana, Sean Connery, the iconic James Bond actor, dead at 90, Travis Roy, hockey player paralyzed 11 seconds into 1st college game, dies at 45. He was a true talent who lit up every room he entered and will be deeply missed. 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. 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 The cause of his sudden death is unknown at this stage while medical examinations continue, the statement went on. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. 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. Adam called this cover a nice surprise, but I dont think Marybeths vocal ever reached to the bar set by the effervescent original (or matched the Dolly/Shania linedancing-queen glam she was rocking this evening, for that matter). 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. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts, and the truck driver wasn't injured, the crash report said. Besides his falsetto, Tyson also showed off his dance moves, which social media users found "funny". Updated Apr 23, 2023 at 11:21pm. 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 Below are the 10 performances from Sundays surviving singers. I will say, however, that Havens performance skills are developing at an impressively rapid pace. Sing with the angels my darling., During his American Idol audition, the vocalist from Douglas, Ga., blew the celebrity judges away with a powerful rendition of Rihannas Diamonds. After giving him a standing ovation, Lionel Richie hailed Spence as an undeniable star, while Luke Bryan deemed him a special human being.. Darius Campbell Danesh, the Scottish singer who gained fame on the inaugural season of Pop Idol, died on Tuesday (Aug. 16). "Reality check: Out of 10,000 people, you are third. Former American Idol finalist Willie Spence died Tuesday from injuries sustained in a car crash in Tennessee, according to Georgia news outlet Douglas Now. We want more big star out of you. He was 23. What you just did will stand up in any room at the Grammys, any awards show Ive ever been to. And finally, as Adam returned to the show with his nails painted and face beat to the gods doing a highly dramatic version of Ann Peebless I Cant Stand the Rain from his new covers album, High Drama, and schooling all of the top 12 on how to truly make a song ones own Katy donned her infamous satin Adam Lambert cape. Zach almost did Paul McCartneys ballad Maybe Im Amazed, which on paper might have seemed like a better heartstring-tugging choice. Oct. 12, 2022 8:36 AM PT. 11 min read. You just delivered the goods, and it was absolutely you, agreed Lionel. TMZ reportsHarris died on Sunday after suffering an apparent heart attack. "We're This is not a time for tears, he told McKibbin. She was 42. 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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. WebVisit The official American Idol online at ABC.com. Neals cousin Dylan Seals After finishing sixth on season 13 of Idol, Harris toured with the rest of the cast that summer. Its going to take hard work, but I think I can do it.. He was 23. By Julianne McShane. Rickey Smith. April 12, 2021 at 11:41 p.m. EDT. 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. Purest soul. USA TODAY. Katy agreed with Adams comments and said she wanted to see a little of an electric [element]. "It's absolutely amazing news but I can't say I'm happy in this moment," a visibly upset Ronda replied candidly. McKibbin appeared on American Idol in 2002, when the show started and became an instant hit. In an Instagram Story post, she wrote, "Thank you all so much for the love, support & kind words. FILE - Nikki McKibbin celebrates during the final episode of Fox's television competition "American Idol," in Los Angeles, in this Sept. 4, 2002, file photo. Lionel also thought Colin needed to be more nasty. Said Luke, We want more body. 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. 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. I grew up in the church, playing gospel music and singing in the choir. Despite his natty outfit, which was giving Harry Styles circa Fine Line or Bruno Mars in his Silk Sonic era, Tysons performance still felt very stuffy, Idol Season 2. (Photo: ABC) Last Katy Perry is set to be temporarily replaced on American Idol by a big-time star. How Palm Springs ran out Black and Latino families to build a fantasy for rich, white people, Concertgoer lets out a loud full body orgasm while L.A. Phil plays Tchaikovskys 5th, 17 SoCal hiking trails that are blooming with wildflowers (but probably not for long! Your talent and smile will be missed, and the world is definitely a darker and eerily quieter place without you in it, she wrote. Nikki McKibbin (season 1) Nikki McKibbin was part of the very first season of Get our L.A. You walked out on this stage and took control.. We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence, read a statement on the American Idol Instagram page. She was so loved that I know thousands of you will be grieving with us, Sadler said. While it was a sweet sentiment and intention, I dont think a contestant still in such a risky position should have gone which such a throwaway party jam. After all, Adam first met his future employers, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees Queen, on his seasons finale. I just want her to know I care about her and I want her to be okay.". Complex Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. McKibbin finished third on the show that year, behind Justin Guarini and Kelly Clarkson, who won the competition. But after Adam advised her to slow down her arrangement to give it more gravitas and take it to church, she had a real moment tonight. Associated Press. 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. All Rights Reserved. It was good, but not great, because it simply didnt have that element of surprise. 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. She was part of our American Idol family and will be truly missed. The Scottish singer placed third on the inaugural season of the British precursor to 'American Idol.'.