All The ‘American Idol’ Contestants That Have Died

American Idol has been a popular reality competition series, since its inaugural season in 2002. Since this series has been almost consecutively on air since its inception, it’s natural for some deaths to come along the way. With such a large cast, it’s not a surprise that some contestants from the series have unfortunately passed on. 

All The American Idol Contestants That Have Died 

Willie Spence

In 2022, American Idol Season 19 Runner up Willie Spence passed away via a car crash. Spence’s close friend Kya Monee returned to American Idol in Season 21, saying that she was trying to cope with the loss. She honored him by singing “I’m Here” from The Color Purple.

Mandisa

In 2024, the American Idol Season 5 Grammy-winning gospel winner passed away. She was found dead in her home at the age of 47 due to natural causes. There was a tribute for Mandisa by Melinda Doolittle, Danny Gokey and Colton Dixon on American Idol Season 22.

C.J. Harris

Harris, who competed on American Idol Season 13, died in 2023 from a heart attack. He was only 31 years old at the time of his demise. 

Nikki McKibbin

Inaugural season competitor, McKibbin passed away in 2020 from a brain aneurysm. She unfortunately had the aneurysm on October 28th after being taken off of life support and died on November 1.  

Leah LaBelle

LaBelle, who competed in Season 3, died in a car accident in 2018. Her husband, Rasual Butler also passed away in this car accident. 

Michael Johns 

Season 7 contestant Johns died in 2014 from a blood clot. He was the first American Idol finalist (or semifinalist) to pass away. 

Rickey Smith

This Season 2 contestant died in 2016 from a car accident. He unfortunately passed away four days ahead of his 37th birthday. 

Paula Goodspeed

This American Idol Season 5 competitor died by suicide in 2008. She died via drug overdose outside of Paula Abdul’s Sherman Oaks, California home. 

Alexis Cohen

Cohen, who was featured on both Seasons 7 and 8, died in 2009. She was 25 years old when she was killed by a hit-and-run driver. 

Joanne Borgella

This American Idol Season 7 contestant passed away in 2014, from endometrial cancer that spread to her brain. She was only 32 years old at the time of her demise. 

Marque Lynche

This American Idol Season 3 contestant passed away in 2015. He was found dead in his apartment by his roommate at the time of his demise. 

Doug Kiker 

Also known as the “Singing Garbage Man” died in 2025. He passed away at the age of 32 as a result of complications from an accidental drug overdose. 

Haley Smith 

This American Idol Season 11 singer passed away in a 2022 motorcycle accident. She passed away at the age of 26. 

Jessika Baier

This American Idol Season 8 Contestant passed away in December 2009 at the age of 21. She unfortunately passed away from a car crash.