Doug Kiker, the Alabama native known as the “Singing Garbage Man” from American Idol who made Katy Perry cry, has passed away at the age of 32.
His sisters, Angela Evans and Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez, confirmed his death in separate Facebook posts. His former fiancée, Valerie Cook, told media that he died on Monday. The cause of death has not been revealed.
Doug Kiker became a fan favourite on American Idol season 18 when he auditioned in 2020. The garbage collector impressed judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan with his heartfelt version of Rascal Flatts’ “Bless the Broken Road.”
His performance moved Katy Perry to tears, and he was awarded a golden ticket to Hollywood. Though he did not progress beyond Hollywood week, he was invited back for the season finale to perform alongside Rascal Flatts.
Doug Kiker’s family and friends have been paying tribute to him. His sister Evans wrote, “He was so loved and will be missed by many! You are singing with the angels now, Bubba.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover funeral expenses, with organiser Carrillos-Ramirez describing him as “a beloved son, brother, father, and friend.”
After his time on American Idol, Doug Kiker continued to pursue his dream. He performed at local venues and even teased a movie about his life.
Read More: Katy Perry’s next stop? Not a concert, but outer space!
Despite facing difficulties, he remained hopeful, sharing on Instagram in 2022 that he “refused to give up on all the people rooting for the dreamers of the world.”
Doug Kiker leaves behind two children. Fans of American Idol will always remember the “Singing Garbage Man” for his powerful voice and inspiring journey.
Earlier, pop sensation Katy Perry was set embark on an extraordinary journey beyond Earth as she joins Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin for its next crewed space mission.
The singer, Katy Perry, known for her chart-topping hits and larger-than-life performances, will lift off aboard the New Shepard rocket this spring, making history as part of a high-profile spaceflight.
According to Blue Origin official site, Katy Perry will be accompanied by CBS host Gayle King, Jeff Bezos’ fiancé Lauren Sánchez, research scientist and activist Amanda Nguyen, film producer Kerianne Flynn, and former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe.
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