Douglas Kiker, Former American Idol Contestant, Passes Away at 32

Douglas Kiker’s Passing

Former American Idol participant Douglas Kiker has passed away at the young age of 32 years.

Kiker’s death was confirmed by his sister Angela Evans on Facebook on Wednesday (March 12). She wrote: “With a heavy heart, we must announce the death of my brother Douglas Kiker. He was sooooo loved, and he will be singing with the angels now. Please pray for our family as we navigate this very difficult time.”

Tributes and Memories

Another family member, Donna Kiker Carrillos-Rramirez, added in a separate post: “Today they called me with news no one wants to receive. We have lost an incredible person. He had the biggest smile and knew how to make everyone laugh. Although I wasn’t able to raise him, I loved him deeply. My parents did an amazing job with him. Douglas Kiker, you will be missed forever. Fly high and say hello to grandma.”

Neither Evans nor Carrillosramirez revealed the cause of death.

Kiker debuted as the first contestant in season 18 of American Idol in 2020. He participated in the premiere, performing “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts, earning praise from both judges and viewers.

Kiker, then 27, shared that he worked as a garbage collector, earning him the nickname “the singing garbage man,” but he chose to pursue his singing career despite his inexperience. At that time, he mentioned he had a two-year-old daughter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V40LVIGRBNY

Though Kiker did not advance far on American Idol, being eliminated before the top 20, he made a significant impact and was invited back for a performance at the finale, where he sang alongside Rascal Flatts virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A year after his time on the show, Kiker was arrested and charged with third-degree domestic violence.