Doug Kiker, the garbage man sings, who delighted America Idol ‘judge, dies at 32

Doug Kiker, the garbage collector who became the musician who laid Katy Perry on “American Idol”, died, his family said. He was 32.

Kiker’s sister Angela Evans broke the news on Wednesday in an emotional Facebook post.

“With a heavy heart we have to announce the death of my brother Dougla’s Kiker, whom he was sooo loved and is missing by so many!” “You sing with the Engels -now Bubba please pray for our family while we have this very difficult time.”

Alabama’s end of Alabama rose famous after he impressed “American Idol” with his reproduction of Rascal Flatts’ “God bless this broken street” in 2020. His audition marked the first moment when he ever sang in front of the audience.

His performance was unanimously praised by the judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry, who performed tears.

“I want us to let them all know that they are a damn man,” said Richie after the audition.

Although he did not penetrate the next round, Kiker became a fan favorite and was brought back for the final of the 18th season to perform with Rascal Flatts himself.

Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez, another sister of Kiker’s, shared her thoughts on Thursday after receiving the news.

“Today I got the call that nobody wants to get. We lost an astonishing person today. He had the biggest smile and knew how to make you laugh,” she said. “I know that I didn’t raise him, but I never stopped loving him. My parents did a great job with him. Douglas Kiker, you will be missing forever. Fly. Say Hey to grandma.”

The cause of death was not announced.

Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez set up a gofundme on Thursday to support the funeral costs. By Friday it reached 3,968 US dollars of his target of 4,500 US dollars.

“We now have the difficult task of bringing him home and reporting funeral costs,” wrote Donna Kiker Cararrillos-Ramirez.