American Idol
Summary
American Idoldebuted in 2002 , andseveral contestants have tragically pass aside since then . American Idolhas produce some of the biggest medicine superstars in the last two decades . Many of the singers have very large fan bases . Their supporters become quite committed to the artists as they follow their journeying , from their auditions to the big stage . The fans have a special connexion with the finalist , as they vote for them , and therefore help the singers to achieve success . Because of this , the losses of these stars have collide with fans especially hard .
American Idolfans have mourned the premature deaths of some of their favorite finalists over the year , due to many tragic circumstances . These vocalist were so full of life when they performed on the show that it is hard to conceive that they are gone . AsAmerican Idolcontinues , it is time to remember these singers from the show who sadly pass away .
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1American Idol Contestant Paula Goodspeed
American Idol Season 5
Paula auditioned forAmerican Idolseason 5 in 2006 . She was enamored with judge Paula Abdul , and even transfer her name from Sandra May McIntyre to Paula Goodspeed at age 16 . She was inspired by Paula ’s style , and share several of her drawing of Paula at her audition . She blab " Proud Mary " by Tina Turner at her auditory modality , but did n’t make it to Hollywood .
All three judge , Paula , Randy Jackson , and Simon Cowell voted no , so she was get rid of from the competition . They were particularly voiceless on her , with Paula say that she was speechless and it was n’t a great thing , Randy telling her she was terrible , and Simon mock her suspender . Paula died in her railcar outside of Paula ’s abode in Sherman Oaks , California on November 11 , 2008 . The lawsuit of death was self-destruction by drug overdose . Paula was 30 .
2American Idol Contestant Alexis Cohen
American Idol Seasons 7 & 8
Alexisauditioned forAmerican Idoltwice . During time of year 7 , she marched to the pulse of a different drummer . She earned the nickname,“Glitter Girl,“because of her unique spirit . She sing " Somebody to Love " by Jefferson Airplane , but did not earn a lucky just the ticket to Hollywood . All three judges gave her votes of no , but she welt out Simon , swearing at him and giving him the mediate finger several times .
Although Alexis ' firstAmerican Idolaudition did n’t go well , she returned to the show to audition in season 8 with " Like a Prayer " by Madonna . However , she was once again rejected by the show , and did n’t receive a gilded ticket to Hollywood . Alexis died on July 5 , 2009 . She was struck by a run into - and - run number one wood in Seaside Heights , New Jersey , and excrete away at age 25 .
American Idol season 22 has much talent that it take a Comeback Competition to give a second fortune to one of the eliminated contestants .
3American Idol Contestant Michael Johns
American Idol Season 7
Michael placed eighth onAmerican Idolseason 7 . A native of Australia , Michael ’s renditions of " Light My Fire " by The room access , " Go Your Own style " by Fleetwood Mac , " Do n’t You ( bury About Me ) " by Simple Minds , " It ’s All improper , But It ’s All correct " by Dolly Parton , and " Dream On " by Aerosmith wowed the judges and the audience . Michael also infuse classic songs with his signature mode , including " Across the Universe " and " A Day in the life-time " by The Beatles , and a medley of " We Are the Champions " and " We Will Rock You " by Queen .
Michael pass on August 1 , 2014 , at the age of 35 . There were conflicting reports abouttheAmerican Idolalum’scause of death . It was first announced that Michael died from a descent clot after nurture an articulatio talocruralis wound . He also had a fatso liver , which is often because of alcohol ill-usage . However , the medical examiner ’s report reign that Michael died from expatiate cardiomyopathy heart disease .
4American Idol Contestant Joanne Borgella
American Idolseason 7 contestantJoanne made it to the Top 12 female group , which was one half of the Top 24 . She audition with " I have it away You " by Celine Dion . She receive votes of yes from Randy and Paula , but a no from Simon . However , Randy and Paula ’s votes earned her a golden slate to Hollywood . During the Top 24 round , Joanna was part of the Top 12 girls . She spill the beans a gamey version of " I Say a Little Prayer " by Dionne Warwick . but was eliminated after it .
Joanne died on October 18 , 2014 , from a uncommon form of endometrial Crab , with which she was diagnose in October 2013.On social medium , she share her cancer journey and how her faith help oneself her through it . Unfortunately , after experiencing severe headaches , she was told that the cancer had open to her head . Joanne was 32 year old when she passed away .
American Idol time of year 22 has some of the most extraordinary talent in the show ’s account . Here are ten contestants who should ’ve gone further .
5American Idol Contestant Rickey Smith
American Idol Season 2
Rickey wasa finalist onAmerican Idolseason 2 . He was make out for his fresh personality and laugh . Rickey was famous for quoting,“Hercules ! Hercules!“fromThe Nutty Professor , while clapping his hand . Rickey try out with " One Last Cry " by Brian McKnight , and he encounter votes of yes from Randy , Paula , and Simon . He direct eighth on the show , singing songs such as " 1 - 2 - 3 " by Len Barry , " It Might Be You " by Stephen Bishop , " I ’ve Done Enough Dyin ' Today " by Larry Gatlin , " Let ’s Groove " by Earth , Wind , & Fire , and " Endless Love " by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross .
Thirteen years after he appeared onAmerican Idol , Rickey died on May 5 , 2016 in a tragical car crash . A intoxicated number one wood going the wrong means slammed into his car when he was on his way home . Rickey was 36 years quondam .
6American Idol Contestant Marque “Tate” Lynche
American Idol Season 3
Marque , who was an alum ofThe All - New Mickey Mouse Club , vie onAmerican Idolseason 3 . He auditioned with " I Ca n’t Make You Love Me " by Bonnie Raitt , and welcome votes of yes from Randy , Paula and Simon . Marque ’s audition was the concluding telecast one ofAmerican Idolseason 3 . He earned his golden ticket to Hollywood and participated in Hollywood Week . Marque made it to the Top 32 of his season , but he was eliminated presently after . He sang " Wind Beneath My wing " by Bette Midler and add so much emotion to the level with every one of his performances .
brand break down on December 6 , 2015 . He was found dead by his roommate in his apartment in New York . The cause of death was report as acute and continuing alcoholism . Marque was 34 years old .
American Idol has an age range of 15 to 28 years old for try out contestants , but a Golden Idol spin - off would change everything about the show .
7American Idol Contestant Leah LaBelle
Leah appear onAmerican Idolseason 3at age 16 . She was a senior in high school when she try out with " I Believe in You and Me " by The Four Tops . Leah made it to the Top 32 , and was pick out to compete in the Wild Card show . Paula used her Wild Card vote to save Leah from excreting , and she advanced to the Top 12 . She placed 12th in the contender . During theAmerican Idol , she sang vocal such as " I Have Nothing " by Whitney Houston , " Let ’s last out Together " by Al Green , and " You Keep Me Hangin ' On " by The Supremes .
Leah die on January 31 , 2018 , at the age of 31 , from injuries she hold up in a car crash . Her beau , Rasual Butler , a professional basketball participant , was drive the car , and he also exit . drug and alcohol were reportedly factors in the crash .
8American Idol Contestant Haley Smith
American Idol Season 11
Haleyauditioned forAmerican Idolduringseason 11with the birdcall , " recount Me Something beneficial " by Rufus and Chaka Khan . She earned a golden tag after receiving votes of yes from Randy , Jennifer Lopez , and Steven Tyler . Steven declared that Haley was the right way out of his era , and he said that he was honour to be capable to take heed to her perform . However , she did n’t make it past the Hollywood Week Round . Haley was n’t show much during Hollywood Week , and she was pass after the 2nd round .
Haley died on August 31 , 2019 at historic period 26 . The effort of death was a single - vehicle motorcycle fortuity in Maine . It was believe that she failed to make a narrow turn while drive . After the fortuity , Haley ’s Padre stated that he believed that a deer might have been demand in the crash because she was a good motorcycle passenger .
Find out if the American Idol Top 24 finalist were mentored by Tori Kelly or Jelly Roll during the Hawaii daily round , and which song they sing .
9American Idol Contestant Nikki McKibbin
American Idol Season 1
Nikki place third onAmerican Idolseason 1 . She was the first rock singer on the show . Nikki showcased her unbelievable vocals on songs such as " Total Eclipse of the ticker " by Bonnie Tyler , " Ben " by Michael Jackson , " Piece of My Heart " by Erma Franklin , " Heartbreaker " by Pat Benatar , " Hard - Hearted Hannah " by Dolly Kay , " ( There ’s ) Always Something There to Remind Me " by Lou Johnson , " Mary Jane " by Alanis Morissette , " I ’m the Only One " by Melissa Etheridge , " Edge of Seventeen " by Stevie Nicks , and " Black Velvet " by Alannah Myles . She was bang for her pink hair’s-breadth and nerveless sense of vogue . Nikki give to the show in 2014 when her son Tristen Langley audition forAmerican Idolseason 13 .
Nikki died on November 1 , 2020 , at age 42 after suffering a brain aneurysm . She had the aneurism on October 28 , 2020 . Nikki was keep on spirit support until her organ could be harvested for contribution .
10American Idol Runner-Up Willie Spence
American Idol Season 19
American Idolseason 19 runner - upWillie was known for his soulful vocalsand kind heart . At his audition , he stunned jurist Katy Perry , Lionel Richie , and Luke Bryan with his version of " Diamonds . " He proceed to urge the hearing with songs such as " Wind Beneath My Wings " by Bette Midler , " Set Fire to the Rain " by Adele , " Stand Up " by Cynthia Erivo , " Yellow " by Coldplay , " You Are So Beautiful " by Joe Cocker , " Glory " by Common and John Legend , " I Was Here " by Beyoncé , " Georgia on My Mind " by Ray Charles , " A modification Is Gon na occur " by Sam Cooke , and his single " Never Be Alone . "
Willie give way on October 11 , 2022 , follow a car stroke . He was driving a Jeep Cherokee , when he veer off the route and take up a tractor - house trailer that was stopped on the shoulder of the road . The driver of the tractor - laggard was n’t injured . Willie was 23 years old .
Beloved American Idol time of year 5 alum and Grammy Award - winning Isaac Merrit Singer Mandisa has passed away . Here is a celebration of her American Idol performances .
