“American Idol” alum CJ Harris, who competed in season 13 and finished sixth, died Sunday at the age of 31 following a medical emergency, a spokeswoman for the Walker County Coroner confirmed to USA TODAY.
TMZ first reported the news when a family member reported that Harris had suffered a heart attack. The official cause of death has not been announced.
In 2014, Harris performed the Allman Brothers’ “Soul Shine” during her audition, earning praise from then-judge Keith Urban, who said, 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.
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The Alabama native spoke about the impact of his “Idol” experience in a 2014 interview with AL.com.
“I grew up in church playing gospel music and singing in the choir. I think I was a little nervous going into ‘Idol’ because I didn’t know if I was ready. I haven’t had training,” Harris said at the time. “Now, when I go on stage in front of this crowd, it doesn’t matter if I have my eyes closed. I don’t have to see the camera. I can relax, unwind and be myself. Ever since I was a child, I wanted to see those lights on stage. Every time I get into bed right after a show, I still can’t believe I’m on stage. I’m having a lot more fun than I did on the TV show.”
In October, another “American Idol” contestant, Willie Spence, 23, died after crashing into the back of a tractor-trailer parked on the shoulder of the interstate, ABC News and NBC News reported, citing the Tennessee Highway Patrol. report. He finished second in season 19.
In November 2020, Nikki McKibbin, who finished third behind Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini in the first season of American Idol, died at the age of 42.
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