Nikki McKibbin, a contestant on the first season of “American Idol,” has died. She was 42.
McKibbin suffered a brain aneurysm on Wednesday, her husband Craig Sadler announced Saturday in a Facebook post. McKibbin was kept on life support until Saturday so her organs could be donated, he wrote.
Sadler said that when she was taken to the operating room, the surgical staff played the song “Landslide” sung by Stevie Nicks, whom McKibbin “practically worshiped.”
Sadler asked fans to take a moment to listen the song and think of McKibbin.
“She will know that you’re sharing her farewell. She loved so many of you and I know you loved her too,” he wrote.
McKibbin finished third in the first season of “American Idol” in 2002, behind winner Kelly Clarkson and runner-up Justin Guarini.
On the show, her solo performances were “Total Eclipse of the Heart,” “Ben,” “Piece of My Heart,” “Heartbreaker,” “Hard-Hearted Hannah,” “(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me,” “Mary Jane,” “I’m the Only One,” “Edge of Seventeen” and “Black Velvet.”
She signed an RCA contract immediately after the show but no recording was released from that deal. Her debut album came out in 2007, and she also that year recorded two songs for an American Idol Christmas compilation.
“Nikki McKibbin was an incredible talent and we are deeply saddened by the news of her passing. She was part of our American Idol family and will be truly missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this difficult time,” said the show’s Twitter account.
McKibbin had one son, Tristan Langley, who is 22.
The-CNN-Wire
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