Want to know what everyone in the music business is talking about. "I was about to deliver some news so I thought I should deliver it to you," the 'All Night Long' crooner began, surprising Ronda and the audience alike having initially told the hopefuls that their lack of confidence had caused their set to "crash and burn". The 38-year-old singer and her American Idol co-star Lionel Richie are both due to American Idol finale: And the final Idol winner is Mileys mom Tish Cyrus confirms engagement to Prison Break vet Dominic Purcell, Stanley Tucci faced awful cancer treatment and hes grateful: I wouldnt be around, This Barbie is a Hollywood legend: Mattel debuts elegant Anna May Wong doll, Aerosmith is saying farewell with Peace Out tour, which hits L.A. in December. Former American Idol finalist Nikki McKibbin dies McKibbin, a singer from Texas best known for her third place finish in the first season of "American Idol," died Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020. American Idol continues on Sunday (March 28) on ABC in the US. I received very tragic news tonight, McPhee wrote. This was the big Zach attack Id been craving last week. Im having a lot more fun than I did on the TV show.. It was good, but not great, because it simply didnt have that element of surprise. Meet 2023s American Idol Top 10 Contestants - Billboard 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. Season one contestant Nikki McKibbin, seen here in 2002, died in Nov. 2020 at 42 years old after complications from a brain aneurysm. After finishing sixth on season 13 of Idol, Harris toured with the rest of the cast that summer. McKibbin appeared on American Idol in 2002, when the show started and became an instant hit. 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. Last week, Colin had a huge breakthrough covering Robyns Dancing on My Own, but that was just a victory-lap performance. He was 31. Why is Frank McCourt really pushing it? Every time I get into my bed right after a show, I still cant believe Ive been on stage. The crowd is saying it all for us, said Lionel. American Idol I grew up in the church, playing gospel music and singing in the choir. Schwarzenegger and DeVito reunite for White House dinner, Jack Nicholson makes rare public appearance and more celebrity news you missed this weekend, Ashley Judd reflects on mom Naomi's 'irreplaceable loss' a year after the country star's death, Michael J. Lucy Love and Nutsa flank 'American Idol' Season 21 contestant Marybeth Byrd as they learn their fate. She was 42. contestants But we are here for you and we're family. Canadian teen Tyson Venegas shines on American Idol stage 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. Love y'all.". 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. The fan-favorite Idol contestant was the runner-up in the competition programs 19th season last year. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. American Idol contestant Funke Lagoke was rushed to hospital after collapsing on stage during the show's Hollywood Week round. The often acid-tongued Simon Cowell was equally gracious. "What an incredible journey this has been, McKibbin said before leaving the stage. Im so emotional about what you just did. "It's absolutely amazing news but I can't say I'm happy in this moment," a visibly upset Ronda replied candidly. I just want my voice to reach the world and share my gift, he told the judges at his Idol audition. 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.. Rickey Smith. God rest your soul, Willie. 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. Before he could finish his first sentence to her, Funke collapsed face-first onstage. Read all issues now with a 1-month free trial, only on Apple News+. 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. I dont have to keep a camera view. This is not a time for tears, he told McKibbin. ``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. American Idol It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darius Campbell Danesh, his family said in a statement to the BBC. Example video title will go here for this video. Darius Campbell Danesh, the Scottish singer who gained fame on the inaugural season of Pop Idol, died on Tuesday (Aug. 16). Chayce Beckham was the winner. Please bear with me as I respond to everyone's messages, calls & texts. Nolan Neal, 'AGT' & 'The Voice' contestant, dead at 41 - New York 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. 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. Now, when I get on stage in front of these crowds, it doesnt matter if I have my eyes closed. 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. "Reality check: Out of 10,000 people, you are third. 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.. 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.. Harris, the former "American Idol" contestant whose soulful voice wowed the judges and whose sweet demeanor won him legions of TheAlabama native was rushedto the Walker Baptist Medical Center in Jasper, where he was later pronounced dead. Complex Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Adam Lambert talks 'Witch Hunt' tour, lifelong love of makeup: 'I didn't know any other boys who painted their faces after school', It's not ladies' night, and the feeling's not right: 8 divas land in 'American Idol' bottom 10, Adam Lambert talks 'High Drama' album, full-circle Jobriath cover: 'I know what my brand is now, more than ever', 'Our country has f***ing failed us! Nikki McKibbin (season 1) Nikki McKibbin was part of the very first season of Entertainment Television, LLC A Division of NBCUniversal. His debut single, In Love, was released in 2019. The Top 10 contestants advanced to the judges' song contest with their stirring performances. 'American Idol' singer C.J. Harris dead at 31 - NBC News Fox says life with Parkinson's is 'getting harder': "I'm not gonna be 80'. 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. Ronda, the judgesand nearby medical professionals rushed to her aid, with Lukeremarking that the performer "busted her chin.". You just delivered the goods, and it was absolutely you, agreed Lionel. Katy agreed with Adams comments and said she wanted to see a little of an electric [element]. Lionel also thought Colin needed to be more nasty. Said Luke, We want more body. Luckily, she ended up being OK, with an on-screen message telling viewers that Funke was treated for dehydration and released from the hospital. ARLINGTON, Texas Nikki McKibbin, a singer from Texas best known for her third place finish in the first season of American Idol, has died. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry. (AP Photo/Lucy Nicholson, File) 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! https://popculture.com/reality-tv/news/american-idol-contestants-died-over-years 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. On the first note, I had chills. 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. 1:37. ``Youve got a career ahead of you.. What you just did will stand up in any room at the Grammys, any awards show Ive ever been to. 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. 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. On September 3, 2019, it was reported that Haley Smith, who auditioned for season 11 of American Idol, had died in a motorcycle crash in Maine. Your confidence is just staring us in the face. Last Monday on American Idol Season 21, when the top 20 became the top 12, a whopping eight divas were up for elimination, and the judges chose to save two of them: soulful belter Lucy Love, and flashy Vegas-style entertainer Nutsa. It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.. TYSON VENEGAS, WARREN PEAY, HAVEN MADISON, LUCY LOVE, OLIVER STEELE, COLIN STOUGH, MARYBETH BYRD, W ANI, NUTSA, MEGAN DANIELLE, Hollywood Week continued on "American Idol" Monday night, bringing plenty of duet drama and tense moments. Darius was found unresponsive in bed in his apartment room in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11 and was pronounced dead in the afternoon by the local medical examiners office. American Idol April 12, 2021 at 11:41 p.m. EDT. 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 The 17-year-old first wowed the judges with his 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. Many television shows have changed something the nature of comedy, the fate of a network, certain cultural attitudes, the industry pay scale, public tolerance of graphic imagery, the sophistication of storytelling or just far too many womens hairstyles. (Eric McCandless/ABC) Gift. 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. The Scottish singer placed third on the inaugural season of the British precursor to 'American Idol.'. American Idol 21 episode 15 recap: Top 12 perform on Rock and She was 26 years I dont think Tyson chose badly here, but the issue with most Stevie songs is they tend to sound old-fashioned as opposed to timeless when done by anyone but Stevie. You are magic. She was 42. American Idol "What I was going to say is, we both feel you two deserve to go through. Harris, who competed on Season 13 and placed sixth overall, died Sunday at age 31 following a medical emergency, a 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.. She was taken to hospital and treated for dehydration. I feel like Ive been in a two-hour treadmill/stairclimbing session, Luke laughed. She was 42. Get our L.A. Although Harris death was confirmed by a spokesperson for the Walker County Coroners Office, an official cause of death has not yet been released. 'American Idol' finalist dies in vehicle crash - ABC News 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. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. Former American Idol contestant C.J. 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. Nikki McKibbin was an incredible talent and we are deeply saddened by the news of her passing. He was 23. What Adam Lambert told you was so right: You are the reason American Idol works, said a verge-of-tears Luke. He was 31. 1 on the U.K. Official Singles Chart in July 2002 and reigned atop the list for two weeks. She was so loved that I know thousands of you will be grieving with us, Sadler said. 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.. 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. Just to know that so many people support me and enjoy what I do means more than anything in the world.. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this difficult time. 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. Second, this week he also got to advise several country contestants, 14 years after he game-changingly deconstructed and reconstructed Ring of Fire on Season 8s Country Night and in the process totally spooked that episodes guest mentor, Randy Travis, with his guyliner and black nail varnish. In 2014, Harris spoke about his experience on the hit Fox series in an interview withAL.com. American Idol I know that was traumatic. "I think it's the end of the road for Funke," Katy told Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. She loved so many of you and I know you loved her too.. Technically, this is not a song by Hall of Famers the Animals, but a traditional folk ballad of unknown origin. She was so loved that I know thousands of you will be grieving with us, Sadler said. 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.. The often acid-tongued Simon Cowell was equally gracious. Former American Idol finalist Willie Spence died Tuesday from injuries sustained in a car crash in Tennessee, according to Georgia news outlet Douglas Now. Even the king of unsubtle excess this weeks guest mentor, current Queen frontman Adam Lambert himself urged Nutsa to consider a different song that would showcase her softer side (assuming she has a softer side, that is). In a statement, American Idol sent its condolences to McKibbin's family and friends. '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. But W Ani is real outlier who could flip that whole script. Justin Timberlake shouldn't get credit for 'It's Gonna Be May' meme. 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). "Wow, she completely busted her chin open, y'all," a nervous-looking Luke explained as he approached the stage, while Lionel and the on-set paramedics rushed over too. Show history: The Jasper, Alabama native competed on In Monday night's episode (March 22), the singer had performed Barbara Streisand's 'Tell Him' with duets partner Ronda Felton and was in the middle of receiving feedback from judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie when she fell to the floor face-first. Its going to take hard work, but I think I can do it.. You are the one, she said. 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