Former 'American Idol' Finalist Caleb Kennedy Sentenced to 8 Years for Fatal DUI Crash

The 20-year-old singer pleaded guilty to a 2022 crash that killed a South Carolina man, with part of his sentence to be served under home detention.

Caleb Kennedy, a Season 19 finalist on 'American Idol,' pleaded guilty to felony DUI resulting in death after a 2022 crash in Spartanburg, South Carolina.
Kennedy's original 25-year sentence was reduced to 8 years, with 5 years to be served in prison and 3 under home detention, along with a $15,100 fine.
The crash, which occurred when Kennedy was 17, killed 54-year-old Larry Duane Parris after Kennedy's truck veered off the road and struck a garage where Parris was working.
Toxicology reports revealed Kennedy had THC and Prozac in his system at the time, with his defense attributing the incident to an adverse reaction to his medication and marijuana use.
Kennedy, who left 'American Idol' in 2021 following a controversial video, has expressed remorse and plans to focus on songwriting during his incarceration.