Former ‘American Idol’ Contestant, Garbage Man Doug Kiker, Arrested in Alabama

Doug Kiker, a former American Idol contestant and garbage man who made judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie emotional with his audition in early 2020, has been arrested.

According to TMZ, Kiker was arrested in Mobile, Alabama after he was allegedly involved in a domestic violence incident. Police told TMZ that Kiker was booked on Thursday and is in jail on a $1,000 bond. 

Specific details surrounding the incident are unclear at this time. TMZ reports that an adult female made the call to 911 and he was arrested shortly after. 

Kiker appeared on Season 18 of American Idol and brought Perry to tears with his cover of “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts. Bryan later joined him on piano to sing the Rascal Flatts hit as Perry looked on. 

His Idol journey came to an end on the first day of Hollywood Week, but that didn’t stop the country hopeful from trying to pursue his music. He got a new set of teeth and later returned to Idol to duet with Rascal Flatts.