"I'm sure you're in heaven singing your heart out!!!"

Over 21 seasons of American Idol, thousands of singers have had the chance to perform in front of the celebrity judges. Only a few are able to make it to the finals of the competition.

Unfortunately, some singers lose their chance at stardom after such an amazing feat. Over the years, the "Idols" have seen many deaths -- all of which were celebrated by their peers and colleagues in the music industry.

Learn what happened to these "Idol” stars.

1. Nikki McKibbin

In 2020, Nikki McKibbin, the Season 1 Finalist, passed away after succumbing to a brain aneurysm. Craig, her husband, shared his grief by saying that Nikki was placed on life support following the tragedy so she could donate her organs for those in need.

She would have been gone by now, but she is an organ donor. To make this possible, she has been placed on life support. This shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. Craig wrote that even at the end, she was still giving." "She loved many of you, and I know that you loved her."

2. C.J. Harris

C.J. Harris was sixth on the "American Idol” season 13. Unfortunately, C.J. died shortly after suffering a heart attack on January 20, 2023. C.J. C.J. C.J. C.J. was recognized by other contestants, such as Jessica Meuse who wrote the world would "be darker and eerily silenter" without him.

"C.J. Harris was an amazing talent and his death deeply hurts. American Idol stated in a statement that Harris will be missed.

3. Willie Spence

Willie Spence, a recent "American Idol” contestant, competed in season 19 of the show's 2021 season. Willie Spence, who finished second in the show's overall rankings, died after a horrible car accident . The "American Idol” family said they were "devastated" by the news of Willie's death and that he was a "true talent" who lit up every room in which he entered.

Judge Katy Perry commented, "I love You Willie...purest soul." My darling, sing with the angels. Luke Bryan also shared his tribute to Willie, writing. "Willie truly lit up every room that he entered. When he began singing, he could instantly change the mood. He will be truly missed."

4. Michael Johns

Michael Johns was eighth on the 7th season of American Idol in 2008. He unfortunately died six years later. The singer died from , a form of heart disease that causes the heart to weaken and grow larger. Michael's family released a statement honoring him. They later hosted a rock 'n roll celebration of his life. David Foster, Michael's friend, hosted the memorial service. It featured performances by Ruben Studdard, an "Idol” alum, as well as Katie McGhie and Graham Russell from Air Supply, Steven Van Zandt of E Street Band, and Peter Cetera from Chicago.

"Our family is devastated at the loss of Michael, our beloved husband, son and brother. He was a great uncle, friend, and brother." Michael's family stated. We are grateful for the support and love we received from around the world. Keep Michael in your thoughts. We understand that we need to grieve in private at this time.

5. Rickey Smith

Season 2 Finalist Rickey Smith died in 2016 after being involved in a wrong way car accident allegedly caused by a drunk driving. He was only 36 years old at the time of his death. Many of Rickey’s fellow finalists paid tribute to him via social media, including Clay Aiken, Ruben Studdard, and others.

"As I sit there in utter disbelief over the fact that you went with the Lord. It brings back all the great times we shared. We spent hours in our Idol Mansion room, talking and listening to music. We had so much fun on our first tour," Ruben wrote. "You were the heart and soul of our season, and you are the definition of a true friend. Ricky Smith, my friend, I will always remember you. I'm sure you're in heaven singing you're heart out!!!"

6. Marque "Tate" Lynch

Marque "Tate” Lynch was a contestant on season 3 of American Idol, but he lost his battle with alcoholism in 2015. He was only 34 years old at the time. His Disney co-star Dale Godboldo later honored him, who had just been working with Marque in an "MMC” project.

"Knowing Marque in the 'MMC’ days as my little brother, I knew that he was incredibly talented and had a passion about the arts and a love for life. He told People that he first met Marque when he was working on a 'MMC-related project. He was thrilled to be part of something that encouraged young people to follow their dreams and live a purposeful life. Marque was a wonderful spirit who, despite having been through so much, wanted to spread love, inspiration, and hope.

7. Leah LaBelle

Leah LaBelle also finished 12th on season 3 "American Idol." In 2018, Leah LaBelle and Rasual Butler, a former NBA player, were killed in an automobile accident. Many friends paid tribute to the 31-year-old singer, including JoJo, who called Leah "beautiful brother from another mister."

"That SMILE. That VOICE. The inside-out GLOW. My @leahlabelle. My sister. I woke up this morning to find you gone. This cannot be true. I just replayed your voicemail to me on my birthday. "Please, someone please assure me that this isn't real," JoJo posted to Instagram. "Everyone touched by you was blessed. PURE. You were GENUINE. "The REAL Thing."

8. Joanne Borgella

Joanne Borgella reached the top 24 in season 7 of American Idol. Unfortunately, she died in 2014, six years after her appearance on the show. She had battled endometrial carcinoma and was open about her journey.

"With heavy hearts we are deeply saddened by the loss of Joanne," her family shared after her death. Joanne Borgella Ramirez, a devoted Christian, was called to heaven by the Lord on Saturday, October 18, 2014. Joanne chose to trust and serve the Lord from an early age. Joanne was diagnosed with cancer over a year ago and decided to be a fighter and share her journey to the rest of the world. She was unshaken by her faith, courage, and strength no matter what obstacles she faced.

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Title: 8 American Idol Contestants Who Have Passed Away
Sourced From: www.toofab.com/2023/04/09/american-idol-contestants-who-have-passed-away/
Published Date: Sun, 09 Apr 2023 14:00:10 +0000

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