US singing competition American Idol has catapulted ordinary people with exceptional talent into worldwide stars overnight – so it hurts that bit more when they die before their time.
Created by British entrepreneur and music icon Simon Fuller, the show has kept fans glued to their seats since it first hit screens in 2002.
But although there have been many triumphs throughout the show’s history, there have also been a number of tragedies too.
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Over the years, there have been a handful of singers who appeared on the show that have since passed away before reaching the age of 40.
Daily Star has taken a look back at the American Idol stars who are no longer with us.
CJ Harris
(Image: FOX Image Collection via Getty Images)
This year, American Idol singer CJ Harris passed away on January 15 at the age of 31.
CJ placed sixth on American Idol’s 13th season in 2014 and released his first single In Love in 2019 and told fans he had “new music coming soon”.
A spokesperson for the Walker County Coroner confirmed to People that the singer suffered a heart attack and, after being rushed to hospital, CPR efforts were unsuccessful.
Singer Jessica Meuse, who also competed on season 13 of Idol alongside CJ, shared a touching tribute to the singer on Instagram.
She wrote: “Your talent and smile will be missed, and the world is definitely a darker and eerily quieter place without you in it.
“I’ll miss your random phone calls asking for life advice and talking about the music world… There are a lot of things I realise I will never understand — you leaving us so soon is one of those things.”
Willie Spence
(Image: ABC via Getty Images)
At the age of 23, singer Willie Spence passed away on October 11, 2022.
He was involved in a car accident in Jasper, Tennessee which lead to his untimely death.
In a statement from American Idol following his death, Willie was remembered as “a true talent who lit up every room he entered”.
Following his death, judge Katy Perry commented on his Instagram post and wrote: “I love you Willie … purest soul. Sing with the angels my darling.”
Nikki McKibbin
(Image: Getty Images)
Nikki McKibbin, who is remembered by fans for competing in American Idol’s first season finishing in third place after Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini, died at the age of 42 after suffering an aneurysm on October 28, 2020.
Following her death, her husband Craig posted an emotional tribute online.
He wrote: “Many of you already know something is wrong. The love of my life Nikki Sadler suffered an aneurysm on Wednesday.
“She would already be gone, but she’s an organ donor and has been kept on life support to make that possible.
“That shouldn’t be a surprise to us. Even at the end she is still giving.”
Haley Smith
(Image: abc)
American Idol star Haley Smith, who auditioned for season 11 of the show, died in a motorcycle crash in Maine at the age of 26.
Haley was announced dead at the scene with Hayley’s father later confirming that his daughter was a skilled rider and believed that maybe a deer was the cause of the sudden swerve on the road.
During her audition in 2012, Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler, who was a judge on the show, enjoyed Hayley’s rendition of Tell Me Something Good.
The musician said: “I love your voice so much. You’re right out of my era and I’m honoured to be here listening to your voice.”
Leah LaBelle
(Image: FilmMagic)
In December 2018, Leah LaBelle and her husband Rasual Butler died after the former NBA player reportedly lost control of his Range Rover.
According to reports, the car struck a parking metre, flipped and slammed into a wall in Los Angeles around 2am.
The couple was pronounced dead at the scene.
Leah was 31 years old at the time.
She appeared in the third series of American Idol alongside Fantasia Barrino and Jennifer Hudson.
Following the news of her passing, a number of faces shared their condolences.
Singer JoJo tweeted at the time: “You will never ever be forgotten. Your voice. Your spirit. Your light. Cannot comprehend what this loss means. Thinking about your unwavering faith in God brings me peace.
“I love you, forever angel.”
Rickey Smith
(Image: FilmMagic)
Rickey Smith finished in eighth place in 2003 on the show’s second season.
But at the age of 36, Rickey became another victim of a road crash in May 2016 due to a wrong-way wreck caused by an allegedly drunk driver.
Rickey finished in eighth place in the competition alongside Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Kimberley Locke and Kim Caldwell.
Following the news of his death, singer Clay tweeted: “Suffice it to say my heart is truly breaking today.
“Heaven’s choir has a new beautiful voice. I love you and will miss you, Rickey.”
Marque ‘Tate’ Lynch
Marque ‘Tate’ Lynch starred in season three of American Idol but he was also a part of the Mickey Mouse club in the 90s alongside Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake and Christina Aguilera.
Marque was pronounced dead in December 2015 after he was found by his housemate in their New York apartment.
It was later confirmed that Marque died from “acute and chronic alcoholism”, a public information officer confirmed to PEOPLE.
Joanne Borgella
(Image: Getty Images for BMI)
Singer Joanne Borgella, who was known for making it to the top 24 contestants on season seven of American Idol, died on October 18, 2014, at the age of 32.
Joanne was diagnosed with endometrial cancer and would regularly post updates on her health for her fans.
Following her death, Joanne shared a message on her Facebook fan page announcing her death.
The message read: “Her faith, courage and strength were unshaken throughout every obstacle she encountered.
“We know her spirit still shines and will continue to live on in heaven.”
Michael Johns
(Image: FilmMagic)
On August 1, 2014 Michael Johns, who finished eighth on season seven of American Idol in 2008, died at the age of 35 from a blood clot in his ankle, according to reports at the time.
However his death was later confirmed to be the result of a disease called dilated cardiomyopathy.
Following his death a family statement was shared online which read: “Our family is devastated by the passing of our beloved Michael, a wonderful husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend.
“We appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have received from all corners of the globe. Please keep Michael in your thoughts and respect our need to grieve privately in this difficult time.”
Judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson and Paula Abdul also shared tributes online.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
