Nikki McKibbin, who reached the last three in American Idol’s first season, has died at the age of 42. Fellow competitor and season 1 finalist Justin Guarini reported the news on Instagram Her death was attributed to complications from an aneurysm
McKibbin and Guarini lost to Kelly Clarkson in the first season Her performance of Alannah Myles’ song Black Velvet was her most memorable moment She also performed songs by Alanis Morissette, Bonnie Tyler, Janis Joplin and Melissa Etheridge
A native of Grand Prairie, Texas, McKibbin was fondly remembered by Guarini in his Instagram post
« @realnikkimckibbin was a fiery, funny woman who could sing Hell to a rock song with the same kind of ease and command that she lovingly used to cut you off with her sparkling southerner spirit », a- he writes « Even in her twenties, when we were together on American Idol, I could tell she had had a difficult life, and not many people had been nice to her along the way. »
« But I will never forget the day her idol, Stevie Nicks, sent her flowers with a card that read: ‘You are the gypsy that I was … » Nikki was in seventh heaven and joy and the excitement that emanated from it she was contagious After the kind of emotional blows she took at the hands of the masses, she deserved to feel good about herself, even for a little while Rest well « Gypsy… and thanks for the laughter, the ruthless teasing, strength, vulnerability, love and friendship you showed me during our time together in the spotlight #rip #americanidol «
McKibbin was signed to 19 RCA records after her stint on Idol But it wasn’t until 2007 before she could release an album, Unleashed
She previously entered the WB Popstars contest, and then, years after her appearance on American Idol, appeared on the VH1 reality show Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, claiming to have addictions to the alcohol and cocaine This has led to appearances on Sober House, Fear Factor and Bravo’s Battle of the Network Reality Stars
Nikki McKibbin, American Idol, Justin Guarini, contestant, Celebrity Rehab presents Sober House
World News – USA – Nikki McKibbin dies: Season 1 contestant American Idol was 42
