Latest news with #Kiker
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fort Walton Beach High senior makes history, winning his second national Incubate Debate Championship
OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WKRG) — 2025 Fort Walton Beach High School graduate William Kiker made history by winning the Incubate Debate National Championship twice. Prichard police officer arrested on kidnapping charge in Florida According to a Okaloosa County School District news release, the championship included the top students from 10 states debating on five key topics from immigration policy and NATO involvement to the structure of federal policies. Kiker won after two rounds of debating the future of the Department of Education and the Department of Government Efficiency The founder of Incubate Debate, James Fishback, heralded Kiker's win. 'Winning Nationals once is hard. William Kiker has just done it twice — the first time in Incubate history. He's a brilliant young man with an incredible future ahead of him,' he said. UPDATE: Prichard mayor releases statement after 2-year-old shot in face Okaloosa County School District Superintendent Marcus Chambers echoed Fishback's accolades. 'William's dedication to debate and his commitment to excellence are truly inspiring. His ability to think critically, articulate his ideas, and compete at the highest level sets an incredible example for students across our district,' he said. 'We are beyond proud of his accomplishments and look forward to seeing all that he achieves in the future.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Los Angeles Times
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Douglas Kiker reportedly looked so unwell before his death that a passerby called 911 to report it
Douglas Kiker, the 'Singing Garbage Man' of 'American Idol' Season 18, reportedly looked bad enough before he was hospitalized that a pedestrian who passed him on the street decided to call 911. Kiker died March 10 at Colorado's Denver Health Medical Center, a representative of the Denver Medical Examiner's office told The Times on Friday in an email. He had been transported there March 5 by ambulance from a few blocks east of City Center Park. Before Kiker was hospitalized, he appeared to be experiencing an overdose, the caller said, according to TMZ. Kiker, unofficially, suffered a drug-induced heart attack, sources outside of law enforcement told the website. But 'the cause and manner of death are pending investigation,' authorities said Friday. The Mobile, Ala., man, who earned his nickname singing while hanging off of his day-job trash truck, auditioned for 'American Idol' Season 18, charming the judges with his unaffected nature and raw talent. He earned his ticket to Hollywood but was dismissed, as so many are, during the first Hollywood round. Even so, he returned to the competition for the finale episode, doing a virtual performance of his audition song, 'Bless the Broken Road,' with Rascal Flatts, the group that turned the tune first recorded by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band into a hit in 2005. By that time, the world was in COVID-19 lockdown and the televised performance saw the singers, judges and host each in his or her own Zoom-style box, far apart even as Kiker and the band were singing together. 'Wow y'all! I can't believe I actually got to sing with Rascal Flatts,' Kiker wrote on YouTube in May 2020. 'So much has happened since my first audition y'all. I am working on putting together an album!' Kiker, who was 32, was the father of two young girls with Valerie Cook. Sister Faith Evans, who posted word of his death Wednesday afternoon on Facebook, responded later that day to people who had asked about helping the family. '[A]s this was completely unexpected we are completely unprepared and are gonna need a little help getting him home from denver colorado and being able to give the memorial that not only he but anyone deserves,' Evans wrote Wednesday night, referring people to a GoFundMe that has since earned more than the amount that was sought. She apologized for her delay in responding, saying to 'charge it to our mind not our hearts.'
Express Tribune
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Doug Kiker cause of death revealed
Douglas "Doug" Kiker, best known as "The Singing Garbage Man" from American Idol Season 18, has passed away at the age of 32. His sister, Angela Evans, confirmed the heartbreaking news on Facebook, asking for prayers and support for the family during this difficult time. According to People, law enforcement sources told TMZ that Kiker was rushed to the hospital after a concerned passerby called 911, suspecting a possible drug overdose. After spending five days in the hospital, he was pronounced dead. While authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding his passing, fans remember Kiker for his unforgettable American Idol audition. His raw talent and emotional delivery moved the judges, including Katy Perry, to tears. His journey from being a garbage collector to a nationally recognized singer resonated with millions, making him an inspirational figure. As tributes pour in, Kiker's story of perseverance and unexpected stardom will continue to inspire those who dare to chase their dreams.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Douglas Kiker, Viral ‘American Idol' Contestant Who Made Katy Perry Tear Up at Audition, Dies at 32
Douglas Kiker, a contestant on 'American Idol' Season 18 who memorably moved series judge Katy Perry to tears with his audition performance, has died. He was 32 years old. Kiker's sisters, Angela Evans and Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez, confirmed the news on Facebook Wednesday evening. A cause of death was not disclosed. 'It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of my brother Douglas Kiker,' wrote Evans. '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.' More from Variety Katy Perry, Gayle King and Lauren Sánchez to Fly Into Space on Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin Next Mission Jelly Roll Joins 'American Idol' as First-Ever 'Artist in Residence' (EXCLUSIVE) Why Katy Perry Leaned on Her Global Fanbase to Launch the U.S. Leg of 'The Lifetimes Tour': 'I Want to Reconnect' 'Today I got the call that no one wants to get,' Carrillos-Ramirez wrote. 'We lost an amazing person today. He had the biggest smile and knew how to make you laugh. I know I didn't raise him but I never stopped loving him. My parents did an amazing job with him. Douglas Kiker you will forever be missed. Fly high. Say hey to grandma.' Kiker had a memorable spotlight in his 2020 'American Idol' audition at the start of Season 18, performing a cover of Rascal Flatts' 'Bless the Broken Road' that impressed judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, who accompanied the contestant on piano. Katy Perry found herself moved to tears. 'I want us all to let you know that you're a hell of a man,' Richie told Kiker. The contestant was known as 'The Singing Garbage Man' among his peers in Alabama, with the monicker catching on among the show's regulars. Although Kiker was eliminated shortly after, he made an appearance in the Season 18 finale with a virtual performance amid the COVID-19 pandemic. A year after his 'American Idol' appearances, Kiker was arrested in May 2021 and charged with domestic violence. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched by Carrillos-Ramirez, seeking donations to help cover funeral expenses for Kiker: 'Thank you for your love, support, and generosity during this incredibly difficult time. We greatly appreciate each and everyone of yall.' Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week Oscars 2026: First Blind Predictions Including Timothée Chalamet, Emma Stone, 'Wicked: For Good' and More What's Coming to Disney+ in March 2025
Los Angeles Times
14-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
Douglas Kiker, the ‘Singing Garbage Man' who wowed ‘American Idol' judges, dies at 32
Douglas Kiker, the 'American Idol' contestant known as the 'Singing Garbage Man,' has died, his sisters announced this week. He was 32. 'It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of my brother Douglas Kiker,' Angela Evans wrote Wednesday on Facebook. 'He was sooo loved and will be missed by so many! [You're] singing with the [angels] now Bubba.' She also asked for prayers for the family as they go through a 'difficult time.' 'It is with heavy hearts that we have to say goodbye to one of the most sincere souls and most hilarious person of all,' his family said on a GoFundMe set up to cover funeral costs and transportation of his body from Denver. 'Douglas, a beloved son, brother, father and friend.' Kiker, who had two children with Valerie Cook, died Monday at Colorado's Denver Health Medical Center, a representative of the Denver Medical Examiner's office told The Times Friday in an email. He had been transported there by ambulance on March 5 from a few blocks east of City Center Park. 'The cause and manner of death are pending investigation,' the email said. Kiker earned his nickname because he sang while working his day job, hanging off the back of a garbage truck in Mobile, Ala. He auditioned for Season 18 of 'American Idol' with zero performing experience under his belt, saying he was doing it for his little girl. He made it to Hollywood Week after charming the judges with his take on 'Bless the Broken Road.' Luke Bryan even jumped on the piano mid-audition to help Kiker figure out his range, challenging him to hit different notes. 'For a man who does not know what his voice can do, for a man who does not have an idea of what key he's singing in, for a man who does not have an idea of who he can be, he's here to do one thing. He's trying to show his daughter that he's somebody,' judge Lionel Richie proclaimed. 'I want us all to let you know, you're a hell of a man.' The judges and host Ryan Seacrest lined up to give Kiker his ticket to Hollywood. As the judges hugged him one by one, Katy Perry wiped away a few tears. Kiker wouldn't make it past Hollywood Week but returned to the show for the finale, doing a virtual performance of his audition song with Rascal Flatts, the group that made 'Bless the Broken Road' — first recorded by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band — a hit in 2005. By that time, the world was in COVID-19 lockdown, hence the televised performance that saw the singers, judges and host each in his or her own Zoom-style box. 'Wow y'all! I can't believe I actually got to sing with Rascal Flatts,' Kiker wrote on YouTube in May 2020. 'So much has happened since my first audition y'all. I am working on putting together an album!' His brother William Kiker posted a remembrance this week on Facebook. 'Dear brother I just want you to know that [no] matter where you are you will always be my baby brother,' he wrote. 'I know you are finally at [peace] I just wish I had more time with you so until I can see you again say hey to bubba for me and tell him I love him rest in peace Douglas Kiker my baby brother.'
