American Idolhas produced some of the most intense talent in the last two decades, but some contestants like Douglas Kiker shine bright on the series, then struggle in its aftermath. During the initial seasons ofAmerican Idol’srevamp, which brought the series back in 2018 after ending on its original network two years prior, there were some heartwarming stories thatIdolviewers couldn’t forget. ThroughoutAmerican Idol’smost recent seasons, there have been more stories that tug on the heartstrings than annoy or irritate, marking a difference between the current ABC version of the series and its FOX original.
One of the heartwarming stories ofAmerican Idolseason 18, which aired throughout the early months of 2020, was Doug’s. From his audition to his time throughout the competition, Doug displayed an incredible talent that hadn’t been fostered throughout his young life. While the contestant didn’t make it past the Hollywood round of the competition,American Idol’sjudges panel, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan at the time,felt strongly that Doug’s talent would improve if he worked at it. WhileDoug’s time withAmerican Idolwas short, it was memorable, making what came next all the more heartbreaking.
Douglas Kiker’s American Idol Journey
He Was Cut During Hollywood Week
AlthoughDoug’sAmerican Idoljourney was short, it was one of the most memorable of his season’s. Alabama native Doug auditioned for the judge’s panel with Rascal Flatts’ “Bless The Broken Road”,bringing judge Katy to tearswith his soulful voice. While the judges made it clear that he needed to do a lot of work to move forward in the competition as he’d never been trained before, his vocals were good enough to move him through the first round. Known as the singing Garbage Man, Doug was open about his love for his family and his passion for music.
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Unfortunately, Doug’s competitiveIdoljourney came to an end in the next round of the show’s process. After performing for the judges again, they decided that Doug didn’t have the training required to move forward with the rest of the pack. Whilethey encouraged him to train his voice and return again, Doug’s time onAmerican Idolas a competitor came to a close.
Douglas Kiker’s Return To The American Idol Stage
He Joined The Show For A Surprise Performance
Although Doug’s time onIdolwas quick, he was so memorable that he was brought back in later weeks to showcase his talent.Doug, who’d auditioned with several missing teeth in the front of his mouth, had received some dental work courtesy ofAmerican Idol,and was brought back for the show’s finale to perform his audition song once again, this time with a twist. Doug performed “Bless The Broken Road” again, but this time with the band who made the song famous, Rascal Flatts. Though the performance was isolated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Doug fulfilled a dream.
What Happened To Douglas Kiker After American Idol?
He Sadly Passed In March 2025
Although Doug was pursuing music in the years following his time onAmerican Idol,things took a difficult turn for the former contestant. After his time on the show, Doug worked on music of his own and performed locally, but fell off through the years. In 2025,Doug unexpectedly passed away, his family confirming that he’d died on Wednesday, March 12 according toPeople. While Doug’s cause of death hasn’t been released, it’s speculated that he died of a drug overdose. Leaving behind two children with his ex-fiancée, Valerie Cook, Doug’s tragic passing has leftAmerican Idolfans in mourning.
