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Former 'American Idol' Contestant Doug Kiker Dies at 32

Known as 'The Singing Garbage Man,' Kiker rose to fame on Season 18 of 'American Idol' but passed away in Denver following hospitalization; the cause of death remains under investigation.

Doug Kiker auditioning on "American Idol" Season 18.
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Overview

  • Doug Kiker, a 32-year-old former 'American Idol' contestant, passed away on March 10, 2025, after being hospitalized in Denver for five days.
  • A concerned passerby called 911 after noticing Kiker's deteriorated appearance, leading to his hospitalization; a drug overdose is suspected but not confirmed.
  • Kiker gained national recognition during his 2020 audition on 'American Idol,' where his rendition of Rascal Flatts' 'Bless the Broken Road' moved judge Katy Perry to tears.
  • Despite his early elimination from the show, Kiker remained a fan favorite and performed virtually with Rascal Flatts during the Season 18 finale amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by his family to cover funeral expenses, with loved ones remembering him as a beloved father, brother, and friend.