BREAKING: Former ‘American Idol’ Contestant, Garbage Man Doug Kiker, Dead at 32

Doug Kiker, a garbage man from Alabama, who delivered an unforgettable audition for Season 18 of American Idol has died.

The aspiring artist’s death was announced in a Facebook post shared by his sister on Thursday, March 13. Her heartfelt message read, “It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of my brother Douglas Kiker he was sooo loved and will be missed by so many!”

She continued, “Your singing with the Angel’s now Bubba Please pray for our family as we go threw this very difficult time.”

Another member of Kiker’s family, Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez, also shared the tragic news online. “Today I got the call that no one wants to get,” she wrote. “We lost an amazing person today. He had the biggest smile and knew how to make you laugh.”

She added, “Douglas Kiker you will forever be missed. Fly high. Say hey to grandma.”

His cause of death has not been revealed.

Doug Kiker’s Journey On American Idol

Kiker shared his musical talent with the world in 2020 when he performed a powerful cover of “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts that won over Idol judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie. His journey in the competition unfortunately came to an end on the first day of Hollywood week, but he didn’t let that stop him from pursuing his dreams outside of the show.

After returning home to Alabama, the singer got a fresh start with a new set of teeth and a newfound level of confidence.

“I got new teeth, guys,” Kiker beamed in a video shared by American Idol at the time. “The sky’s the limit, man! Y’all got me feeling that way.”

As he showed off his new pearly whites, Kiker declared: “I finally believe in myself enough to actually sing in front of people.”

The home check in we needed from #DougKiker #AmericanIdol 💕 pic.twitter.com/9KjbKSqv3p

— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) April 13, 2020

He remained active on social media for a few years, sharing acoustic covers of songs like Brett Young’s “In Case You Didn’t Know” and “Tennessee Whiskey,” originally recorded by George Jones and later by Chris Stapleton.

In 2021, the Alabama native was arrested in his homestate after he was allegedly involved in a domestic violence incident. Police told TMZ that Kiker was booked and given a $1,000 bond. Specific details surrounding the incident were unclear at this time, however the outlet reported that an adult female made the call to 911 and he was arrested shortly after. 

His final Instagram post came in 2022 when he revealed he was working on a new song.

“I’m working on a new song guys it’s been awhile.”

Douglas Kiker is survived by his two young daughters, whom he often shared photos of on his Instagram.