American rock singer-songwriter Nikki McKibben died of a brain aneurysm after being on life support, according to Redeye Radio Host Gary McNamara. She was the third runner-up in the inaugural season of the American idol in 2002, finishing behind Justin Guarini and Kelly Clarkson.
According to Hollywood reporter, American Idol alum Justin Guarini broke the news on Instagram with a tribute to McKibben on October 31. He described the singer as a “fiery, funny lady who could sing the Hell out of a rock song with the same kind of ease and command she lovingly used to cut you with her twangy Southern wit.”
“Even in our 20’s when we were on American Idol together I could tell that she’d had a challenging life, and that not that many people had been kind to her along the way,” he wrote. “But I’ll never forget the day that her idol, Stevie Nicks, sent her flowers with a card that said ‘You are the Gypsy that I was…’. Nikki was on cloud nine and the joy and excitement that radiated from her was infectious. After the kind of emotional beating she took at the hands of the masses, she deserved to feel good about herself, even for a little while,” the caption read.
According to Gary McNamara, she was on life support till late October 30. He requested prayers for McKibben’s family.
“I witnessed my friend Nikki (McKibbin) Sadler go from a Karaoke bar to finalist on 1st year of American Idol. She is on life support after suffering an aneurysm. They will end life support tonight. Please pray for her husband Craig and family. I am heartbroken,” McNamara wrote.
Nikki McKibben saw the faces of other reality shows after American idol, including Dr. Drew’s Celebrity Rehab, Fear Factor, Bravo’s Battle of the Network Reality Stars and Sober House. However, her shot to fame came with her performances expressing her take on classics from artists such as Alanis Morissette, Melissa Etheridge and Janis Joplin. She also famously sang a rendition of Alannah Myles’ “Black Velvet.”
The singer made an appearance in the American idol about 12 years later, in 2014 when she appeared with her 15-year-old son Tristan Langley as he auditioned in front of Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr. and Keith Urban.
McKibben’s reality show career in 2001 with WB competition ‘Popstars’. Her rock album, “Unleashed,” came out in 2007.
