Doug Kiker, the American Idol contestant referred to as “The Singing Rubbish Man,” has died at age 32, RadarOnline.com can report.
The rubbish man from Alabama turned a cult favourite in the course of the present’s 18th season, and went viral for his audition efficiency of “Bless the Damaged Highway” by Rascal Flatts.
Kiker died Monday, in keeping with TMZ, who stated a trigger has not been decided but.
In a message on Fb, his sister Angela Evans shared: “This was fully surprising. We’re fully unprepared and are gonna want a bit of assist getting him residence from Denver, Colorado, and having the ability to give the memorial that not solely he however anybody deserves.”
A GoFundMe has been established to assist cowl his bills.
Organizers shared: “We are actually left with the troublesome activity of bringing him residence and masking funeral bills. We’re reaching out for assist to honor Douglas’s reminiscence and provides him a correct farewell.
“Any contribution, regardless of the quantity, will go on to the funeral prices and permit us to navigate this troublesome time with out the added monetary burden.
“Thanks on your love, assist, and generosity throughout this extremely troublesome time. We significantly respect every and everybody of yall.”
Kiker auditioned in Savannah, Ga in 2020, the place he shared that he labored on the again of a rubbish truck and had no performing expertise or vocal coaching apart from singing whereas at work.
He stated he was auditioning to encourage his then 2-year-old daughter.
The rubbish man sang “Bless the Damaged Highway” by Rascal Flatts as soon as a Capela after which once more with Luke Bryan accompanying him on the piano.
Katy Perry was left in tears by the efficiency, and all three judges voted “sure,” sending him to the Hollywood spherical, the place he competed within the “Soul” class of the Style Problem.
This time, he sang “Ain’t No Mountain Excessive Sufficient” by Marvin Gaye, however he was then eradicated.
Kiker’s reputation led to American Idol inviting him again for the finale to do a digital efficiency of his audition music with Rascal Flatts.
Followers shared their sorrow on his Instagram web page.
Below his ultimate submit, from 2022, one individual wrote: “RIP. You (had been) my favourite the season you (had been) on.
One other added: “I’m unhappy to listen to the information!”
Whereas a 3rd inspired: “Sing with the angels.”
In 2021, Kiker was arrested on home violence costs in Alabama. The truth TV contestant was charged with third-degree home violence, which is outlined as harassment, in keeping with the Cellular County Sheriff’s Workplace.
In keeping with TMZ on the time, officers responded to a report of home violence in Could allegedly involving Kiker and an grownup lady who known as 911. The character of their relationship was unclear.
After his launch, Kiker revealed he had been engaged on a movie adaptation about his life known as “Rubbish Man.” In January 2022, he introduced on YouTube that the movie was obtainable on Vimeo for lease or buy.