Doug Kiker, who was dubbed the “Singing Garbage Man” after a stunning audition during Season 18 of “American Idol,” died Wednesday at age 32. No cause of death has been shared.
His 2020 audition, in which he sang Rascal Flatts’ “Bless the Broken Road,” blew judges Katy Perry and Lionel Richie away, and even moved Perry to tears. Kiker admitted he had no musical experience, other than singing on the back of his garbage truck.
Richie told him at the time, “For a man who has no idea what his voice can do, for a man who has no idea what key he’s singing in, for a man who has no idea who the heck he can be, he’s here to do one thing: He’s trying to show his daughter that he’s somebody. I want us all to let you know, you are a hell of a man.”
Kiker was put through to Hollywood but was eliminated in the next round after singing Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell’s, “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” However, he was invited back for the season finale for a virtual performance of his audition song.
His sisters, Angela Evans and Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez, shared the news of his death to Facebook on Wednesday. “It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of my brother Douglas Kiker,” Evans wrote. “He was sooo loved and will be missed by so many! Your singing with the Angel’s now Bubba. Please pray for our family as we go threw this very difficult time.”
“Today I got the call that no one wants to get. We lost an amazing person today,” Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez wrote on her own Facebook page.
“He had the biggest smile and knew how to make you laugh. I know I did not raise him but I never stopped loving him,” she added. “My parents did an amazing job with him. Douglas Kiker, you will forever be missed. Fly high. Say hey to grandma.”
His family has set up a GoFundMe to cover his funeral expenses. On the site, they describe him as “one of the most sincere souls and most hilarious person of all … A beloved son, brother, father and friend.” As of Thursday evening, nearly $1400 was raised towards a $4,500 goal.
According to TMZ, Kiker is survived by two children that he shares with ex-fiancée Valerie Cook.
