American Idol’s Doug Kiker Dead at 32 — Watch His Emotional Audition

Doug Kiker, best known for his memorable audition in Season 18 of American Idol, has died. He was just 32 years old.

Though an official cause of death has not been released, Kiker’s ex-fiancée Valerie Cook confirms to TMZ that he died on Monday, March 10.

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“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,” reads a GoFundMe set up in his name.

“This was completely unexpected, we are completely unprepared,” Kiker’s sister Angela Evans also writes on social media. “Thank you for the continued prayers at this very difficult time. Lord knows we have been [through] so much these past few years.”

America was introduced to then-27-year-old Kiker on Feb. 16, 2020 when he performed Rascal Flatts’ “God Bless the Broken Road” in Idol‘s Season 18 premiere — an emotional audition that got plenty of attention on social media. Due to his career in sanitation, Kiker was dubbed “the Singing Garbage Man.”

After his audition, the judges handed Kiker his golden ticket, with Perry offering a few additional words of encouragement: “You just stay who you are, and you’re going to go so far. And you’re going to take your daughter with you to all those highest heights.”

New episodes of American Idol currently air Sundays at 8/7c on ABC. Idol returned for Season 23 on March 9, with Carrie Underwood taking over for Perry. (Click here for our thoughts on the premiere.)

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