American Idol's Nikki McKibbin dies aged 42

American Idol star Nikki McKibbin has tragically died at the age of just 42, after suffering a brain aneurysm, her husband has confirmed.

The singer rose to fame on the first season of American Idol alongside Kelly Clarkson. Her husband Craig Sadler shared the sad news on Facebook.

“Many of you already know something is wrong. The love of my life Nikki Sadler suffered an aneurysm on Wednesday,” he shared on Saturday.

“She would already be gone, but she’s an organ donor and has been kept on life support to make that possible.

“That shouldn’t be a surprise to us. Even at the end she is still giving.”

Nikki placed third on American Idol in 2002 and released her first studio album Unleashed in 2007. She also released an EP Psychotrip in 2012 as part of the group ‘Love Stricken Demise’.

Tributes quickly started pouring in on social media. The official American Idol account calling Nikki an “incredible talent”.

“Nikki McKibbin was an incredible talent and we are deeply saddened by the news of her passing,” a statement read on Twitter.

“She was part of our American Idol family and will be truly missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this difficult time.”

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