JamesG
11-01-2020, 02:09 PM
Nikki McKibbin, "American Idol" Season 1 Contestant, Dead at 42
by Nick Caruso
November 1, 2020
Nikki McKibbin, the second runner-up from "American Idol‘s" first season, has died, according to a Facebook post by her husband, Craig Sadler. The singer was 42.
“The love of my life Nikki Sadler suffered an aneurysm on Wednesday,” wrote Sadler. “She was so loved that I know thousands of you will be grieving with us.”
McKibbin placed third on her "Idol" season, behind winner Kelly Clarkson and runner-up Justin Guarini. She famously sang Whitney Houston’s “One Moment in Time” for her audition, which immediately advanced her to the next round of the competition.
"American Idol" released the following statement via Twitter:
“Nikki McKibbin was an incredible talent and we are deeply saddened by the news of her passing. 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.”
Justin Guarini eulogized McKibbin on Instagram, writing:
“@realnikkimckibbin was a fiery, funny lady who could sing the Hell out of a rock song with the same kind of ease and command she lovingly used to cut you with her twangy Southern wit… Rest well, ‘Gypsy’…and thank you for the laughter, merciless teasing, strength, vulnerability, love and friendship you showed me during our time together in the spotlight. #rip #americanidol”
McKibbin released her debut album, 'Unleashed', on May 22, 2007 and toured throughout the year with Texas metal band Rivethead. In 2012, she released the EP 'Psychotrip' with the band Love Stricken Demise.
The singer returned to television in 2008 as part of the second season of VH1’s "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew". McKibbin briefly re-appeared on Season 13 of "Idol", when she accompanied her son Tristan to his audition; he made it through to the Hollywood round, but was cut prior to the live shows.
https://tvline.com/2020/11/01/nikki-mckibbin-american-idol-dead-dies-obituary/
by Nick Caruso
November 1, 2020
Nikki McKibbin, the second runner-up from "American Idol‘s" first season, has died, according to a Facebook post by her husband, Craig Sadler. The singer was 42.
“The love of my life Nikki Sadler suffered an aneurysm on Wednesday,” wrote Sadler. “She was so loved that I know thousands of you will be grieving with us.”
McKibbin placed third on her "Idol" season, behind winner Kelly Clarkson and runner-up Justin Guarini. She famously sang Whitney Houston’s “One Moment in Time” for her audition, which immediately advanced her to the next round of the competition.
"American Idol" released the following statement via Twitter:
“Nikki McKibbin was an incredible talent and we are deeply saddened by the news of her passing. 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.”
Justin Guarini eulogized McKibbin on Instagram, writing:
“@realnikkimckibbin was a fiery, funny lady who could sing the Hell out of a rock song with the same kind of ease and command she lovingly used to cut you with her twangy Southern wit… Rest well, ‘Gypsy’…and thank you for the laughter, merciless teasing, strength, vulnerability, love and friendship you showed me during our time together in the spotlight. #rip #americanidol”
McKibbin released her debut album, 'Unleashed', on May 22, 2007 and toured throughout the year with Texas metal band Rivethead. In 2012, she released the EP 'Psychotrip' with the band Love Stricken Demise.
The singer returned to television in 2008 as part of the second season of VH1’s "Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew". McKibbin briefly re-appeared on Season 13 of "Idol", when she accompanied her son Tristan to his audition; he made it through to the Hollywood round, but was cut prior to the live shows.
https://tvline.com/2020/11/01/nikki-mckibbin-american-idol-dead-dies-obituary/