Former American Idol contestant Doug Kiker has died. He was 32.
“It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of my brother, Douglas Kiker,” the singer’s sister Angela Evans wrote via Facebook on Wednesday, March 12. “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.”
Kiker’s sister Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez also issued a statement on his passing.
“Today, I got the call that no one wants to get. We lost an amazing person today. He had the biggest smile and knew how to make you laugh,” Carrillos-Ramirez wrote via Facebook on Wednesday. “I know I didn’t raise him, but I never stopped loving him. My parents did an amazing job with him. Douglas Kiker, you will forever be missed. Fly high. Say hey to grandma.”
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 […]
A cause of death has yet to be revealed.
Kiker rose to fame for his appearance on Idol season 18, where he performed a soulful rendition of Rascal Flatts’ “God Bless This Broken Road.”
“For a man who has no idea what his voice can do, for a man who has no idea what key he’s singing in, for a man who has no idea who the heck he can be, he’s here to do one thing: He’s trying to show his daughter that he’s somebody,” judge Lionel Richie said at the time. “I want us all to let you know, you’re a hell of a man. I want you to come get this ticket. You’re going to Hollywood!”
Kiker, however, was eliminated during the live shows.
The late musician’s siblings have since launched a GoFundMe campaign to help cover funeral expenses.
American Idol paved the way for reality competition shows to help everyday people achieve their dreams of music stardom. The series premiered in 2002 on Fox with a star-studded judging panel consisting of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. American Idol‘s freshman season introduced Kelly Clarkson, who would become the show’s first breakout star. […]
“Hi everyone, hope you’re doing well. I’m reaching out because a lot of people have reached out and asked how they could help, as this was completely unexpected,” Evans added in a follow-up Facebook message. “We are completely unprepared and are gonna need a little help getting him home from Denver, Colorado and being able to give the memorial that not only he but anyone deserves.”
She concluded, “Thank you for the continued prayers at this very difficult time, Lord know we have been [through] so much [these] past few years! Douglas Kiker, you will live forever in our hearts. I miss you.”
Kiker is survived by his parents, his sisters and his two children.
