Douglas Kiker, a former contestant on American Idol, has sadly passed away at the age of 32.

Kiker, who competed on the show in 2020, was affectionately known as "The Singing Garbage Man" due to his job as a refuse collector before pursuing music.

Family Confirms His Passing

His sister, Angela Evans, confirmed the news via Facebook on Wednesday, 12 March, writing:

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of my brother, Douglas Kiker. He was so loved and will be missed by many! You’re singing with the angels now, Bubba. Please pray for our family as we go through this very difficult time.”

Another family member, Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez, expressed her grief in a separate post:

“Today, I got the call that no one wants to receive. We lost an amazing person. He had the biggest smile and always knew how to make people laugh. Though I didn’t raise him, I never stopped loving him. My parents did a wonderful job raising him. Douglas Kiker, you will forever be missed. Fly high. Say hello to Grandma.”

Neither Evans nor Carrillos-Ramirez revealed the cause of death.

A Memorable Journey on American Idol

Kiker first appeared on American Idol in season 18 (2020), where he performed Rascal Flatts’ Bless the Broken Road during his audition. Despite having no formal experience, his raw talent and heartfelt story won over both the judges and audience.

At the time, Kiker was 27 years old and working as a garbage collector. He revealed during his audition that he had a two-year-old daughter, and his decision to audition was driven by a desire to pursue his musical dreams.

Although he did not progress beyond the early rounds, Kiker left a lasting impression. His performance earned him an invitation to the show’s finale, where he was virtually joined by Rascal Flatts for a special performance—adapted to accommodate the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions at the time.

Legal Troubles After American Idol

A year after his appearance on American Idol, Kiker was arrested and charged with third-degree domestic violence.

His passing has left a profound impact on those who knew him, with fans and family members mourning the loss of a man whose voice and story inspired many.