[ad_1]
Nikki McKibbin, a singer-songwriter from Texas best known for her third place finish in the inaugural season of “American Idol,” died Sunday. She was 42 years old.
Ms McKibbin’s death was confirmed by her husband, Craig Sadler, who said on Facebook that she was removed from the respiratory system early Sunday morning, four days after suffering complications from a brain aneurysm. Mr. Sadler did not say where she died.
“She was loved so much that I know thousands of you will mourn with us,” he wrote.
Ms. McKibbin gained national fame in 2002 as a contestant on “American Idol,” the Fox reality show in which singers competed for a recording contract. Appearing in a shameless punk style, with a shock of dyed red hair, she has been praised for her touching covers, including “Total Eclipse of the Heart” by Bonnie Tyler, “Black Velvet” by Alannah Myles and “Piece of My Heart, ”Which Janis Joplin made famous with Big Brother and the Holding Company.
She finished third on the show, behind winner Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini.
“Nikki McKibbin was an incredible talent and we are deeply saddened by the news of her passing,” an American Idol spokesperson said in a statement. “She was part of our ‘American Idol’ family and will be truly missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.
Longtime Stevie Nicks fan, Ms. McKibbin covered her song “Edge of Seventeen” in one of her last performances on the show. During Ms. McKibbin’s time on “American Idol,” Ms. Nicks sent her flowers and a card that read, “You are the gypsy that I was,” Mr. Guarini said on Instagram.
The gesture put Ms. McKibbin “on cloud nine and the joy and excitement that radiated from her was contagious,” he said.
Mr. Guarini said that Ms. McKibbin “was a spirited, funny woman who could sing the hell out of a rock song with the same kind of ease and command that she lovingly used to cut you off with her southerner spirit.
Longtime American Idol Host Ryan Seacrest written on twitter that Ms. McKibbin “was a superstar by the time she entered the auditions.”
“She set the bar high with her talent and memorable stage presence,” he said. “It was an honor to watch her grow and inspire millions of people.”
During Ms. McKibbin’s time on “American Idol,” her son Tristen Langley, who was 4, presented her with a rose after a performance. In 2014, Ms. McKibbin accompanied her son, then 15, when he auditioned for the show. As he sang a cover of “Santeria” by Sublime, she spoke the words.
After “American Idol,” Ms. McKibbin signed a recording deal with RCA Records, a division of Sony Music, but ran into the label when it refused to record a country album, Variety reported. His first album, “Unleashed”, was released in 2007 by the Chenoa Music label.
Ms. McKibbin’s struggles with drug addiction, including alcohol and cocaine, have been featured on “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew” and “Sober House,” both on VH1, Variety reported. She has also appeared on “Fear Factor” on NBC and “Battle of the Network Reality Stars” on Bravo.
Mr Sadler said on Facebook his wife was abducted early Sunday morning and her organs were donated. Before the operation began, he said, they played “Landslide,” one of Ms. Nicks’ iconic songs with Fleetwood Mac one last time.
[ad_2]
Source link