American Idol S1 alum Nikki McKibbin passes away at 42

American Idol season one alumni Nikki McKibbin has passed away at the age of 42. The Texas-born McKibbin competed on the inaugural season of the series back in 2002. She had finished in third place behind Justin Guarini and Kelly Clarkson, who won the first season. Sources connected to Nikki‘s family told TMZ she died of a brain aneurysm.

Sources reported to TMZ, Nikki was in the hospital on life support, and at 3 AM, she was taken to the operating room, where her organs were harvested for donation and she was pronounced dead.

Nikki McKibbin was married to Craig Sadler since 2007 and she was reportedly surrounded by her family at the time of her passing.

Runner-up Justin Guarini too confirmed the news on Instagram

 

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@realnikkimckibbin was 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…⁣ ⁣ …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. ⁣ ⁣ Rest well, “Gypsy”…and thank you for the laughter, merciless teasing, strength, vulnerability, love and friendship you showed me during our time together in the spotlight. #rip #americanidol

A post shared by Justin Guarini (@justinguarini) on Oct 31, 2020 at 3:48pm PDT

Finalist Jim Verraros also commented on Instagram. “I can’t believe you’re gone. You were such a light for so many of us. You were unapologetically yourself and I loved that the most about you. You will be missed but I will always hold you close to my heart. Rest In Peace, beautiful soul,” he wrote.

After American Idol, McKibbin went on to appear in several reality TV shows. She was seen in Fear Factor, Battle of the Network Reality Stars and Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew, where she received treatment for cocaine and alcohol addiction.

May Her Soul Rest In Peace.

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