And once again, America had chosen to eliminate Lucy and Nutsa. She was 42. She was 42. Harris, the former "American Idol" contestant whose soulful voice wowed the judges and whose sweet demeanor won him legions of The often acid-tongued Simon Cowell was equally gracious. Related: The Masked Dancer US reveals Exotic Bird as American Idol winner. I just want my voice to reach the world and share my gift, he told the judges at his Idol audition. This is not a time for tears, he told McKibbin. Get weekly rundowns straight to your inbox, A daily briefing on what matters in the music industry. The season 2 finalist was killed in a May 2016 car accident. -- A finalist on American Idol has died in a vehicle crash in Tennessee. "What an incredible journey this has been, McKibbin said before leaving the stage. Jessica Meuse, who starred alongside Harris on season 13 ofIdol,took to Instagram on Monday to share a tribute to 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.. 2023 Billboard Media, LLC. This is just magic. On the first note, I had chills. 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. Justin Timberlake shouldn't get credit for 'It's Gonna Be May' meme. Associated Press. Hopefully winning a Grammy one day, thats where I see myself in five years. She was part of our American Idol family and will be truly missed.. Rickey Smith. 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. Youre just Zachariah, and theres no one else like you, said Katy. After the first round of cuts Willie Spence, the American Idol runner-up in the 2021 Season 19 of the competition series, died Tuesday from injuries sustained in a car accident in Tennessee. When Luke praised Funke's voice, Katy replied that "she wasn't perfect!". All rights reserved. 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. Oct. 12, 2022 8:36 AM PT. By Julianne McShane. I feel like Ive been in a two-hour treadmill/stairclimbing session, Luke laughed. 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. In Monday night's episode Interested in Digital Spy's weekly newsletter? God rest your soul, Willie. Example video title will go here for this video. "It's absolutely amazing news but I can't say I'm happy in this moment," a visibly upset Ronda replied candidly. He was 23. 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. Find out who should. Harris, who placed sixth on the shows 13th season in 2014, has passed away. Gracious in defeat, McKibbin tearfully hugged her fellow contestants when she was voted out in 2002. The 17-year-old first wowed the judges with his "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". McKibbin appeared on American Idol in 2002, when the show started and became an instant hit. (AP Photo/Lucy Nicholson, File) 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. BBC music reporter Former American Idol contestant Nikki McKibbin has died in the US at the age of 42. 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. She was part of our American Idol family and will be truly missed., A Towering, Terrifying Demon Horse Isnt Even the Weirdest Part, Man who lost wife, son in Texas mass shooting tells story, Gwyneth Paltrow denied attorneys' fees in ski crash lawsuit, 'Zombie' misinformation: 'Rape Day' hoax resurfaces on TikTok, 'Very homophobic': Teachers' union leader Randi Weingarten says House hearing crossed the line, Letter to editor: House bill aims to make voting more difficult, Vikings rookie QB: What to expect from Jaren Hall, Sayre pulls off stunning semis rally and rolls on to win All A Classic state baseball finals. Man, I need a drink. This is not a time for tears, he told McKibbin. He was 31. "I just am worried about her health, that's the number one thing. 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. Christi Carras is an entertainment reporter at the Los Angeles Times. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. Your talent and smile will be missed, and the world is definitely a darker and eerily quieter place without you in it, she wrote. In an Instagram Story post, she wrote, "Thank you all so much for the love, support & kind words. 1:03 "American Idol" alum C.J. Hollywood Week continued on "American Idol" Monday night, bringing plenty of duet drama and tense moments. 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. 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.. A $300-million (minimum) gondola to Dodger Stadium? 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 Tyson Venegas, a Canadian teen from Port Moody, B.C., has made it to the Top 12 on this season of American Idol. We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence, read a statement on the American Idol Instagram page. "We're You are the one, she said. The Top 10 contestants advanced to the judges' song contest with their stirring performances. Former American Idol finalist Willie Spence died Tuesday from injuries sustained in a car crash in Tennessee, according to Georgia news outlet Douglas Now. What you just did will stand up in any room at the Grammys, any awards show Ive ever been to. She loved so many of you and I know you loved her too.. Harris, who competed on Season 13 and placed sixth overall, died Sunday at age 31 following a medical emergency, a Show history: The Jasper, Alabama native competed on 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. 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. 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. Heavy/ABC "American Idol" season 21's Top 20 is revealed. Katy agreed with Adams comments and said she wanted to see a little of an electric [element]. Theyll be back Monday for the Judges Song Contest, after which only seven will advance. 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. Updated Apr 23, 2023 at 11:21pm. Our editorial content is not influenced by any commissions we receive. Check out the hottest fashion, photos, movies and TV shows! Neals cousin Dylan Seals WebVisit The official American Idol online at ABC.com. I dont have to keep a camera view. C.J. She loved so many of you and I know you loved her too.. Get exclusive videos, blogs, photos, cast bios, free episodes and more. 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). She was so loved that I know thousands of you will be grieving with us, Sadler said. 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. After finishing sixth on season 13 of Idol, Harris toured with the rest of the cast that summer. The local police department have confirmed that there were no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances. But we are here for you and we're family. It didnt work well enough, obviously, but the lady didnt go down without a fight, which Luke admired. 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.. An American Idol contestant experienced a startling health scare just as the judges were revealing her future with the show. Gracious in defeat, McKibbin tearfully hugged her fellow contestants when she was voted out in 2002. He was 41. American Idol showed off its new stage in Hollywood on Sunday night to celebrate the 21st season of the show. "I think it's the end of the road for Funke," Katy told Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie. '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. The often acid-tongued Simon Cowell was equally gracious. His debut single Colourblind bowed at No. 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. Im so emotional about what you just did. Willie Spence, 23, died Tuesday after hitting the rear of a tractor-trailer that was stopped on the 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! TYSON VENEGAS, WARREN PEAY, HAVEN MADISON, LUCY LOVE, OLIVER STEELE, COLIN STOUGH, MARYBETH BYRD, W ANI, NUTSA, MEGAN DANIELLE, Following the show, he signed a deal with Mercury Records and wound up releasing two solo albums: 2002s Dive In and 2004s Live Twice. (Eric McCandless/ABC) Gift. WebAn American Idol contestant was rushed to the hospital after collapsing on stage during the most recent episode of the TV singing contest. Singer Nolan Neal who appeared on the competition shows Americas Got Talent and The Voice was found dead Monday. She was 42. Harris, who placed sixth on the shows 13th season in 2014, has passed away. But instead, this Southerner just went back to playing it safe with some Allman Brothers. I received very tragic news tonight, McPhee wrote. 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. Darius Campbell Danesh, the Scottish singer who gained fame on the inaugural season of Pop Idol, died on Tuesday (Aug. 16). "What an incredible journey this has been, McKibbin said before leaving the stage. 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.. 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. Digital Spy's digital magazine is back! Every time I get into my bed right after a show, I still cant believe Ive been on stage. But it allowed Iam to be more rangy and soulful than hed ever sounded before. 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Spence, 23, finished as runner-up to Chayce 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 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. Just to know that so many people support me and enjoy what I do means more than anything in the world.. Luckily, she ended up being OK, with an on-screen message telling viewers that Funke was treated for dehydration and released from the hospital. Katy Perry is set to be temporarily replaced on American Idol by a big-time star. Lucy Love and Nutsa flank 'American Idol' Season 21 contestant Marybeth Byrd as they learn their fate. 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). 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. American Idol continues on Sunday (March 28) on ABC in the US. 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. 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. 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. Americas Got Talent contestant Nightbirde dies after - CNN 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.. He was a true talent who lit up every room he entered and will be deeply missed. The 38-year-old singer and her American Idol co-star Lionel Richie are both due to He was 31. 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. 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 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. Entertainment Television, LLC A Division of NBCUniversal. So congratulations! Willie Spence performs at Atlantas Symphony Hall in 2021. 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. You walked out on this stage and took control.. 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