Former 'American Idol' contestant C.J. Harris dies at 31 (2024)

"American Idol" alum C.J. Harris, who competed on Season 13and placed sixth overall, died Sunday at age 31 following a medical emergency, a spokespersonfor the Walker County Coroner confirmed to USA TODAY.

TMZ first reported the news, with a family membertelling the outlet that Harris suffered a heart attack.An official cause of death has not been released.

In 2014, Harris performed the Allman Brothers' "Soul Shine" in his audition, garnering praise from then-judge Keith Urban who said, "You sing 'cause you have to sing, not 'cause you want to sing. And I mean that in the deepest way. And that's why it's so believable and real." Harris went on to sing songs including John Mayer's "Waiting on the World to Change," Tom Petty's "Free Fallin'" and Darius Rucker's "Radio" before finishing in sixth place.He released his debut single, "In Love," in 2019.

Former 'American Idol' contestant C.J. Harris dies at 31 (1)

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The Alabama nativespoke about the impact of his"Idol" experience in a 2014interview with AL.com.

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“I grew up in the church, playing gospel music and singing in the choir. I guess I was a little nervous to go on ‘Idol,’ because I didn’t know if I was prepared. I didn’t have the training,” Harris said at the time. “Now, when I get on stage in front of these crowds, it doesn’t matter if I have my eyes closed. I don’t have to keep a camera view. I can calm down, relax and be myself. Ever since I was a little boy, I wanted to see those lights on stage. Every time I get into my bed right after a show, I still can’t believe I’ve been on stage. I’m having a lot more fun than I did on the TV show."

In October, another "American Idol" alum, Willie Spence, died at 23 after hitting the rear end of a tractor-trailer that was stopped on the shoulder of an interstate, according to reports byABC NewsandNBC Newscitinga Tennessee Highway Patrol report.He finished insecond place on Season 19.

In November 2020, Nikki McKibbin, who finished in third place behind Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini on the first season of"American Idol,"died at42.

Former 'American Idol' contestant C.J. Harris dies at 31 (2024)

FAQs

Former 'American Idol' contestant C.J. Harris dies at 31? ›

"American Idol" alum C.J. Harris, who competed on Season 13 and placed sixth overall, died Sunday at age 31 following a medical emergency, a spokesperson for the Walker County Coroner confirmed to USA TODAY. TMZ first reported the news, with a family member telling the outlet that Harris suffered a heart attack.

How far did CJ Harris go on American Idol? ›

How far did CJ Harris go in American Idol Season 13? CJ Harris stayed in the show for a long time and made it to the final top 6 in American Idol Season 13 before being eliminated. That season was won by Caleb Johnson.

What has happened to Mandisa? ›

Mandisa, a Grammy-winner born in Citrus Heights, California, as Mandisa Lynn Hundley, was 47 years old. The singer died suddenly in her Franklin home and was found on Thursday. Hundley was identified by a medical examiner, police officials said.

What happened to Kayko on American Idol? ›

He, alongside Mia Matthews, received the lowest number of votes, thus eliminating him from the competition.

Is Mandisa alive? ›

Death. On April 18, 2024, Mandisa was found dead at her home in Franklin, Tennessee, at the age of 47.

What was the cause of CJ Harris' death? ›

The singer died at just 31-years-old after suffering a heart attack on Sunday (Jan. 15), according to reporting by People.

How much weight did Mandisa lose? ›

Mandisa said she turned to food in her grief, noting she had been on a weight-loss journey "ever since Simon made fun of me on national television." She said she lost 120 pounds at the time of her friend's death, but she gained it all back plus 75 more and began having borderline suicidal thoughts in her depression.

What did Simon Cowell say to Mandisa? ›

After calling her audition “terrific” and agreeing with Jackson and Abdul that Mandisa was ready for the show's Hollywood round, Cowell made a snarky face and said, “Could we have a bigger stage this year?” Abdul rolled her eyes and slapped Cowell, while Jackson laughed and said, “Oh, come on.” Then, when Abdul ...

How old is Mandisa now? ›

Grammy-winning singer Mandisa, who rose to fame on season five of “American Idol,” has died, her representative said Friday. She was 47. “We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased," her representative said in a statement to NBC News.

Who is the accidental idol? ›

Kayko — Sam Kelly-Cohen's performance name — earned the trip to Hollywood with a surprising Feb. 25 audition. Kayko earned a social media title as the “Accidental Idol” because he had not planned to audition.

What happened to Kayko's mother on American Idol? ›

Kelly-Cohen's mother died in 2019 and he said music was therapy as he grieved. On his Instagram page, he shared a video of his mother, saying, "Two years ago, my mom passed away. My grieving process is ongoing.

Who got kicked off Idol? ›

When the fun was done, Abi Carter, Will Moseley and Jack Blocker were announced as the three finalists, while Triston Harper and Emmy Russell were eliminated.

What is Mandisa's real name from the wife? ›

The Wife (TV Series 2021– ) - Zikhona Sodlaka as Mandisa - IMDb.

Where did Mandisa live? ›

What does Mandisa mean? ›

Meaning:Sweet. If you're looking for a name that reflects baby's kind-hearted nature, consider Mandisa, a feminine name of African origin that means "sweet." Beautiful and traditional, it is an excellent option that celebrates baby's African heritage.

Why did the 17 year old leave American Idol? ›

While Kenedi did not reveal her “personal reasons” for withdrawing from American Idol, the fact that she released a song on TikTok the next day—now deleted—has many speculating that it's because she signed a record label, especially considering the lyrics.

Who is the most successful person to come out of American Idol? ›

1. Carrie Underwood. My favorite country sensation has come a long way since she first auditioned in 2004. After Underwood was crowned the winner in season four, she went on to release nine successful studio albums, earning her eight Grammy Awards, 12 Billboard Music Awards and 17 American Music Awards.

Who are the most successful American Idol winner? ›

Carrie Underwood

Who is the most successful American Idol runner-up? ›

Adam Lambert is easily the most successful "Idol" runner-up. He lost to Kris Allen during season eight in 2009. Lambert is, to date, the only "Idol" runner-up to be nominated for a Grammy — he was nominated in 2011 for his single "Whataya Want From Me." The song also has 96 million streams and reached No.

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