Douglas Kiker, viral ‘American Idol’ contestant who moved Katy Perry to tears, passes away at 32
Doug is survived by two children that he shares with ex-fiancée Valerie Cook. The causes of his death remain a mystery.
An American Idol contestant who brought the judges to tears with his superstar voice and stories of being a garbage man has died. Doug Kiker was just 32 years old when he passed away.
The news was confirmed by his ex-partner, Valerie Cook, and shared online by his siblings, Angela and William. Angela said the death was “unexpected” and set up a crowdfunding site to help with the “difficult task of bringing him home and covering funeral expenses.”
The viral ‘American Idol’ contestant who moved Katy Perry to tears
Kiker was known as “The Garbage Collector Singer.” He appeared on season 18 of American Idol, where he auditioned with Rascal Flatts' “Bless the Broken Road.”
During his 2020 performance, Kiker moved the judges with his life story and his singing, so much so that he moved renowned pop star Katy Perry to tears.
He was eliminated from the reality show after singing the verses of “Ain't No Mountain High Enough” by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell.
Douglas Kiker passes away at 32
Kiker was born in Savannah, Georgia, and worked as a garbage collector before becoming famous for his participation in the American reality show.
The news was announced by his sisters, Angela Evans and Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez, via Facebook on Wednesday, March 12. “He was so loved and will be missed by so many! You're now singing with the angels, 'Bubba,'” Evans wrote. In the midst of her grief, Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez created a GoFundMe donation page to raise financial donations.
Valerie Cook, her ex-partner, for her part, said that she “hates” that her two daughters have lost their father.