Doug Kiker, known for his appearance on Season 18 of “American Idol” as “The Singing Garbage Man,” has died at 32. His death on March 10, 2025, in Denver, Colorado, was confirmed by his ex-fiancée Valerie Cook and family members.
Kiker’s audition on “American Idol” was notable for moving judge Katy Perry to tears, and his death has led to widespread mourning from family and fans. His sister, Angela Evans, shared on social media that the family was “completely unprepared” for his sudden death and mentioned the need for assistance to bring him home from Denver, Colorado for a proper memorial.
Emergency services were alerted when a passerby saw Kiker in apparent distress on the street, fearing a possible drug overdose. He was taken to a hospital but died five days later. While the official cause of death has not been confirmed, sources suggest drugs may have led to a heart attack.
Originally from Alabama, Kiker gained attention in 2020 with his audition performance of Rascal Flatts’ “Bless the Broken Road” on “American Idol.” Despite no previous performance experience, his audition video went viral, amassing over 200 million views on YouTube.
During the competition, Kiker expressed his desire not to disappoint his family, stating, “I just don’t want to let my family down… I’ve been a good man my whole life.” He advanced to Hollywood Week but was eliminated after performing Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” failing to reach the Top 20.
His brother William expressed his sorrow online, stating, “Dear brother I just want you to know that no matter where you are you will always be my baby brother. I just wish I had more time with you so until I can see you again say hey to bubba for me and tell him I love him rest in peace Douglas Kiker my baby brother.”
Following “American Idol,” Kiker continued to pursue music, with fans crowdfunding his debut album. However, he faced personal challenges. In May 2021, about a year after his “American Idol” appearance, Kiker was arrested in Alabama on domestic violence charges, including harassment, after a 911 call from an adult woman. He was held on a $1,000 bond.
Kiker is survived by two daughters with his ex-fiancée Valerie Cook. Cook shared her grief with TMZ, stating she “hates” that their daughters have lost their father.
A GoFundMe campaign was initiated to help cover funeral expenses. The page, showing photos of Kiker, aims to raise $4,500.
Despite his short time in the public eye, Kiker left a mark on “American Idol” judges and viewers. Judge Lionel Richie praised him by saying, “You’re a hell of a man.” Though he did not go far in the competition, he was invited back for the Season 18 finale, performing virtually with Rascal Flatts.
In one of his last social media updates, Kiker expressed gratitude to his supporters and his determination to follow his dreams. His sister Donna Kiker Carillos-Ramirez remembered him for “the biggest smile” and his ability to make people laugh.
The GoFundMe campaign specifies that all donations will be directed towards funeral costs and assisting the family during this difficult period without added financial stress.
