Nikki McKibbin, who placed third on the inaugural season of American Idol, has died. She was 42.
The devastating news was confirmed by TMZ early Sunday morning (November 1) via sources connected to McKibbin’s family. Per the report, McKibbin died of a brain aneurysm in the hospital where she was on life support. At 3 a.m. this morning, the singer was transported to the operating room, where her organs were later harvested as she was pronounced dead.
"Nikki McKibbin was an incredible talent and we are deeply saddened by the news of her passing," read a statement from the American Idol Twitter account. "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."
In 2002, McKibbin famously competed on the very first season of American Idol, wowing judges with her renditions of Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” and Whitney Houston’s “One Moment in Time.” She delivered several other astounding performances of songs by Alannah Myles, Michael Jackson, Bonnie Tyler, Ella Fitzgerald and Stevie Nicks.
Ultimately, the rock musician finished behind season runner-up Justin Guarini and winner Kelly Clarkson. Before contending on American Idol, McKibbin had previously appeared on the first season of Popstars, an international reality singing competition show.
Since competing on the show, McKibbin has produced solo work of her own, including the 2007 album Unleashed and 2012 extended play Psychotrip with Love Stricken Demise. Among the singles she’s put out over the years include “Celebrity High,” “Naked Inside,” “To Be with You,” and “Save What’s Left of Me.”
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