'American Idol' Contestant Dies At 32, Family Asks For Prayers

News has come out that a contestant on American Idol, who had a memorable moment with Katy Perry, has passed away. The singer was 32 at the time of his death. The late contestant’s family shared the news, asking fans for prayers.

The American Idol Contestant’s Sisters Shared The News Of His Passing

The contestant notably appeared on Season 18 of American Idol. The contestant’s sisters notably shared the news of his passing on social media.

The contestant was 32 at the time of his passing. At this time, it is unclear what his cause of death had been.

American Idol YouTube — American Idol – YouTube

Taking to Facebook, Angela Evans and Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez revealed that their brother, Doug Kiker, who had been a contestant on the show, had passed away. As Evans shared, “It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of my brother Douglas Kiker.”

“He was sooo loved and will be missed by so many! [You’re] singing with the [angels] now Bubba. Please pray for our family as we go [through] this very difficult time.”

Doug Kiker - YouTube — Doug Kiker – YouTube

Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez also noted, “Today I got the call that no one wants to get. We lost an amazing person today. He had the biggest smile and knew how to make you laugh. I know I didn’t raise him but I never stopped loving him”

A GoFundMe Page Has Also Been Set Up To Honor Doug Kiker

“My parents did an amazing job with him. Douglas Kiker you will forever be missed. Fly high. Say hey to grandma.”

During his performance on American Idol, Kiker performed a rendition of Rascal Flatts’ “God Bless This Broken Road.” Before his appearance on the show, he worked as a garbage collector. This caused the Alabama native to also be dubbed, “The Singing Garbage Man.”

As noted by People, Lionel Richie shared, “For a man who has no idea what his voice can do, for a man who has no idea what key he’s singing in, for a man who has no idea who the heck he can be, he’s here to do one thing: He’s trying to show his daughter that he’s somebody. I want us all to let you know, you’re a hell of a man.”

During his appearance, he was also noted for making an impression on then-judge Katy Perry, bringing her to tears. Kiker was ultimately eliminated on the season, with the winner being Just Sam, or Samantha Diaz. However, he also returned for the season finale, where he gave a virtual performance of the song he used for an audition.

Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez also set up a GoFundMe page on behalf of her brother. As it read, “Help Us Lay Our Loved One to Rest It is with heavy hearts that we have to say goodbye to one of the most sincere souls and most hilarious person of all. Douglas, a beloved son, brother, father and friend.”

Did you also see Doug Kiker during his time on American Idol? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest reality TV and celebrity news.