‘American Idol’ Fans Mourn Viral Contestant After His Death
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American Idol fans are mourning the loss of Douglas Kiker, the “Singing Garbage Man” spotlighted in Season 18.
“It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of my brother Douglas Kiker,” Kiker’s sister Angela Evans wrote via Facebook on Wednesday, March 12. “He was sooo loved and will be missed by so many! Your singing with the Angel’s now Bubba Please pray for our family as we go threw this very difficult time.”
The singer — who moved Katy Perry to tears with his 2020 audition — was 32 years old. His cause of death was not revealed.
“Today I got the call that no one wants to get,” Kiker’s other sister, Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez, posted on Facebook Wednesday. “We lost an amazing person today. He had the biggest smile and knew how to make you laugh. 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.”
American Idol judges Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Lopez, and Keith Urban onstage during “American Idol” XIV Grand Finale at Dolby Theatre on May 13, 2015 in Hollywood, California. American Idol judges Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Lopez, and Keith Urban onstage during “American Idol” XIV Grand Finale at Dolby Theatre on May 13, 2015 in Hollywood, California. Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images
As news outlets began covering the story on Thursday, March 13, fans flocked to Instagram posts about his death to share their condolences.
“Oh no I remember him, what a wonderful singer. Condolences to his family,” one person wrote.
“so sad!! sending prayers to his family and friends. may he rest in peace 💔😢,” another fan penned.
“awe he was a sweetheart on idol 💔,” a third person remembered.
“Too young,” wrote a fourth user. “Praying for his family and friends.🙏🏽.”
Kiker wowed American Idol judges Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan when auditioning with his cover of Rascal Flatts’ “Bless the Broken Road.”
“I’m a garbage man. I’m working on a garbage truck. I sing in the back of my garbage truck,” Kiker told the judges before his audition, emphasizing that he had no professional experience whatsoever.
After Richie sent him out with Seacrest to warm up on the street, Kiker delivered the performance. Perry was in tears, Bryan — who accompanied him on the piano — declared he was “a fan of the garbage man!” and Richie insisted all of the judges and Seacrest hand Kiker his golden ticket to Hollywood.
“I want us all to let you know that you’re a hell of a man,” the “Hello” singer told Kiker.
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