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. TYSON VENEGAS, WARREN PEAY, HAVEN MADISON, LUCY LOVE, OLIVER STEELE, COLIN STOUGH, MARYBETH BYRD, W ANI, NUTSA, MEGAN DANIELLE, 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. 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.. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. 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. Goes Out newsletter, with the week's best events, to help you explore and experience our city. She loved so many of you and I know you loved her too.. She was part of our American Idol family and will be truly missed.. Died: January 15, 2023. Katy agreed with Adams comments and said she wanted to see a little of an electric [element]. Jessica Meuse, who starred alongside Harris on season 13 ofIdol,took to Instagram on Monday to share a tribute to C.J. She was 42. (AP Photo/Lucy Nicholson, File), WATCH LIVE: Polis to announce plan to reduce property taxes. In a statement, American Idol sent its condolences to McKibbin's family and friends. Nikki McKibbin was an incredible talent and we are deeply saddened by the news of her passing. McKibbin, a singer from Texas best known for her third place finish in the first season of "American Idol," died Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020. Justin Timberlake shouldn't get credit for 'It's Gonna Be May' meme. 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. She loved so many of you and I know you loved her too.. You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. 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. 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. His debut single, In Love, was released in 2019. Your confidence is just staring us in the face. McKibbin's son, Tristen Langley, told The New York Times that his mother died in Arlington, Texas. 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. You sound dope on it. 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. Katy first wore the Elvis-style garment when she was a guest performer during Season 8, generating controversy and getting in "a little trouble" when viewers complained that she was "playing favorites" she was basically a walking billboard for her L.A. scene friend and would therefore sway the public vote. ``Youve got a career ahead of you., RELATED: Sean Connery, the iconic James Bond actor, dead at 90, RELATED: Travis Roy, hockey player paralyzed 11 seconds into 1st college game, dies at 45. WebVisit The official American Idol online at ABC.com. Billboard is a part of Penske Media Corporation. This is not a time for tears, he told McKibbin. His debut single Colourblind bowed at No. Chayce Beckham was the winner. Temperatures stay in the 70s for much of this week! An American Idol contestant experienced a startling health scare just as the judges were revealing her future with the show. And once again, America had chosen to eliminate Lucy and Nutsa. Find out who should. Harris, who placed sixth on the shows 13th season in 2014, has passed away. McKibbin finished third on the show that year, behind Justin Guarini and Kelly Clarkson, who won the competition. Gracious in defeat, McKibbin tearfully hugged her fellow contestants when she was voted out in 2002. "Reality check: Out of 10,000 people, you are third. Watch the scarysegment in the video above. 1:03 "American Idol" alum C.J. After the episode aired, Funke took to Instagram Live in a since-deleted video and told fans the moment was "embarrassing" and "was not how I wanted to be presented the first time," according to Good Housekeeping. "I think it's the end of the road for Funke," Katy told Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. The Top 10 contestants advanced to the judges' song contest with their stirring performances. Besides his falsetto, Tyson also showed off his dance moves, which social media users found "funny". But she got an A for effort, I guess. Former American Idol contestant C.J. 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.. Luckily, she ended up being OK, with an on-screen message telling viewers that Funke was treated for dehydration and released from the hospital. You, my friend, are so gifted, Richie said. https://popculture.com/reality-tv/news/american-idol-contestants-died-over-years 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. Updated Apr 23, 2023 at 11:21pm. What Adam Lambert told you was so right: You are the reason American Idol works, said a verge-of-tears Luke. Ive never heard this room get that loud. Lionel needed to get a grip on the situation and collect his thoughts before commenting, That was how to bring nasty to the table. This was the big Zach attack Id been craving last week. Rickey Smith. 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. 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.. 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 She was 42. She was part of our American Idol family and will be truly missed. I can calm down, relax and be myself. Katy Perry is set to be temporarily replaced on American Idol by a big-time star. But instead, this Southerner just went back to playing it safe with some Allman Brothers. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Fellow American Idol alum Katharine McPhee, who mentored and performed with Spence during Season 19, mourned the singer Tuesday on Instagram. COMPLEX participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means COMPLEX gets paid commissions on purchases made through our links to retailer sites. "What an incredible journey this has been, McKibbin said before leaving the stage. Theyll be back Monday for the Judges Song Contest, after which only seven will advance. McKibbin appeared on American Idol in 2002, when the show started and became an instant hit. Aug. 2, 2014. Among the hopefuls was Tyson Venegas, who serenades judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan, to grab a spot in the Top 10. Love y'all.". McKibbin, a singer from Texas best known for her third place finish in the first season of "American Idol," died Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020. 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. 2023 E! By Julianne McShane. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. "What an incredible journey this has been, McKibbin said before leaving the stage. Just to know that so many people support me and enjoy what I do means more than anything in the world.. Man, I need a drink. Please bear with me as I respond to everyone's messages, calls & texts. The cause of his sudden death is unknown at this stage while medical examinations continue, the statement went 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. Ever since I was a little boy, I wanted to see those lights on stage. This is just magic. He Digital Spy's digital magazine is back! In a statement, American Idol sent its condolences to McKibbin's family and friends. 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. 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. I love how you made that you, said Luke. We want more big star out of you. 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. Tyson Venegas, a Canadian teen from Port Moody, B.C., has made it to the Top 12 on this season of American Idol. 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. But it allowed Iam to be more rangy and soulful than hed ever sounded before. Hopefully winning a Grammy one day, thats where I see myself in five years. This was the first time Id really heard Iam belt, and he nailed this Sam Cooke standard. Your source for entertainment news, celebrities, celeb news, and celebrity gossip. 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TheAlabama native was rushedto the Walker Baptist Medical Center in Jasper, where he was later pronounced dead. He was 41. 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! (Eric McCandless/ABC) Gift. Just to know that so many people support me and enjoy what I do means more than anything in the world.. 0:00. Web'American Idol' finalist Nikki McKibbin has died after suffering an aneurysm. 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. Lucy Love and Nutsa flank 'American Idol' Season 21 contestant Marybeth Byrd as they learn their fate. 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. Tributes have flooded in for former American Idol contestant, CJ Harris, who died on Monday (January 16) at the age of 31. 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). Her husband did not say where she died. April 12, 2021 at 11:41 p.m. EDT. McKibbin's son, Tristen Langley, told The New York Times that his mother died in Arlington, Texas. He was 41. American Idol continues on Sunday (March 28) on ABC in the US. You walked out on this stage and took control.. While Lionel Richie told her, You took my song and made it your song; Katy Perry said, You bodied that song; and Luke Bryan said, I am so glad we brought you back, a ballad like Running With the Night or even Hello would have been a smarter direction for Lucy. 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. 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. The Texas singer appeared on American Idol in 2002, when the show started and became an instant hit. (AP Photo/Lucy Nicholson, File) Interested in Digital Spy's weekly newsletter? Our editorial content is not influenced by any commissions we receive. It didnt work well enough, obviously, but the lady didnt go down without a fight, which Luke admired. 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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. I received very tragic news tonight, McPhee wrote. The season 2 finalist was killed in a May 2016 car accident. So congratulations! 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 God rest your soul, Willie. I think youre still in that growth stage, Katy said, wishing aloud that Colin had attacked the song more. "What I was going to say is, we both feel you two deserve to go through. He was 23. Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. The local police department have confirmed that there were no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances. I grew up in the church, playing gospel music and singing in the choir. I feel like Ive been in a two-hour treadmill/stairclimbing session, Luke laughed. 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. 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. But W Ani is real outlier who could flip that whole script. McKibbin appeared on American Idol in 2002, when the show started and became an instant hit. 1 on the U.K. Official Singles Chart in July 2002 and reigned atop the list for two weeks. That was a breakout performance, right there! And the distorted-faced Katy (whod look fabulous in a W Ani satin cape, just sayin) declared, You just turned this thing into a competition..