‘American Idol’ Contestant Doug Kiker Dead.
‘American Idol’ Doug Kiker Dead at 32
Kiker died Monday, according to his ex-fiancée, Valerie Cook, she does “hate” that her kids lost their father. An official cause of death has not been determined.
The singers death was also acknowledged by multiple posts from family members … his sister Angela Evans, posted a GoFundMe — saying the family needed help because “this was completely unexpected we are completely unprepared and are gonna need a little help getting him home from denver colorado and being able to give the memorial that not only he but anyone deserves.”
Kiker’s brother William also confirmed the death … sharing a heartfelt message to Facebook saying he will always be his baby bro.
If you don’t remember … Kiker brought Katy Perry to tears on Rascal Flatts’ “Bless the Broken Road” back on Season 18 of the show, landing him in the Hollywood round.
He was eliminated in the following round after singing Marvin Gaye‘s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”
There is no information available indicating that Doug Kiker, a former American Idol contestant from Season 18, has passed away at age 32. The most recent information about Doug Kiker, based on available records, shows that he was alive as of his last public updates, and no credible sources confirm his death. Below is a biography of Doug Kiker based on the information available from his time on American Idol and subsequent public reports:
Biography of Doug Kiker
Early Life and Background:
Douglas “Doug” Kiker was born in 1992 in Greensboro, Alabama, a small town with a population of around 2,300. He grew up in Greensboro and attended Greensboro High School West. At the age of 17, he moved to Mobile, Alabama, where he lived separately from his parents. Kiker is of mixed ethnicity, though specific details about his family background are limited. He has a birthmark on his right cheek and is known for his humble appearance, often wearing caps and casual clothing.
Kiker worked as a garbage collector for Advanced Disposal in Mobile, Alabama, a job he held at the time of his American Idol audition. He had no formal vocal training or performing experience prior to the show, with his only singing experience being serenading trash while working on the back of a garbage truck. He is a father of two daughters, including one named Eliana, who was two years old at the time of his audition in 2020. Kiker was engaged to his long-time partner, Valeire, at the time of his American Idol appearance.
American Idol Journey (Season 18, 2020):
Doug Kiker gained national attention when he auditioned for Season 18 of American Idol in Savannah, Georgia, which aired in February 2020. At 27 years old, he entered the audition room with no prior public performance experience and admitted he did not know how to warm up his voice or understand vocal range. His unassuming nature and raw talent charmed the judges—Katy Perry, Luke Bryan, and Lionel Richie.
- Audition: Kiker performed “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts, first a cappella and then accompanied by Luke Bryan on the piano. His performance brought Katy Perry to tears, and Lionel Richie praised his potential, noting that he was auditioning to inspire his daughter. All three judges voted “yes,” sending him to Hollywood. The audition went viral, racking up over 200 million video views across platforms.
- Hollywood Week: Kiker was placed in the “Soul” category of the Genre Challenge, alongside contestants like Sophia Wackerman and Jovin Webb. He sang “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell but struggled with staying in key. He was eliminated on the first day of Hollywood Week, ending his run before the Top 20.
- Finale Appearance: Despite his early elimination, Kiker returned for the Season 18 finale to perform “Bless the Broken Road” in a duet with Rascal Flatts. During this appearance, he debuted a new set of teeth, which he had received as part of his American Idol journey, and expressed optimism about his future.
Post-American Idol Career and Public Life:
After American Idol, Kiker began building a fan base through social media. He started a YouTube channel where he shared covers of various songs. In May 2020, he launched an Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign to fund his debut album, aiming to raise $25,000 for studio time, musicians, and production. As of 2023, he had raised over $5,580 toward this goal. Kiker continued to share updates about his music career and family life on Instagram, often posting pictures of his daughters.
Controversy and Legal Issues:
In May 2021, Kiker was arrested in Mobile, Alabama, on misdemeanor domestic violence charges (third-degree, defined as harassment) following an incident involving an unnamed adult woman who called 911. He was booked into Mobile Metro Jail with a $1,000 bond. The specifics of the incident and the relationship between Kiker and the woman were not publicly detailed. Since his release, Kiker has remained active on social media but has not commented extensively on the arrest.
Personal Life and Legacy:
Kiker has emphasized that his participation in American Idol was primarily to inspire his daughters, particularly his eldest, Eliana. His story resonated with audiences due to his humble background, lack of formal training, and genuine desire to improve his family’s life. Despite not advancing far in the competition, Kiker’s viral audition and fan-favorite status made him a memorable contestant. His journey highlighted the show’s focus on underdog stories and raw talent.
Clarification on Death Rumors
As of the latest available information, there is no evidence or credible report confirming that Doug Kiker has passed away at age 32. His last known public activity was in 2023, related to his music crowdfunding efforts and social media posts. If you have heard recent rumors about his death, they appear to be unsubstantiated based on current records. For the most accurate updates, it is recommended to check official news sources or Kiker’s verified social media accounts.
