Doug Kiker, a former American Idol contestant, died. He made an impression on former Idol judge Katy Perry when he moved her to tears by singing Rascal Flatts‘ “Bless the Broken Road” during his season 18 audition. As updates regarding Hiker’s cause of death come to light, multiple outlets have reported that the late singer’s death is still under investigation.
Below, learn more about Kiker, his life and his stint on American Idol.
Best known for his “Bless the Broken Road” American Idol audition, Kiker won audiences’ hearts, and Perry’s, as he was dubbed “The Singing Garbage Man.” Kiker worked as a garbage collector from Mobile, Alabama. Upon finishing his emotional audition, Perry told him, “That was not garbage. It was greatness.”
American Idol contestant Doug Kiker has passed away, and a GoFundMe has been started to help his family: https://t.co/oC8BgHYBRO
“We are reaching out for help to honor Douglas’s memory and give him a proper farewell.”
— GoFundMe (@gofundme) March 14, 2025
Kiker was then given a golden ticket to Hollywood but was eliminated from the competition a week later. Nevertheless, Kiker persevered with singing and shared videos to his Instagram account with his strong vocals on full display.
In one of Kiker’s last Instagram posts in 2022, he thanked his followers for their support.
“To all the people that have shown your love and support!!!! I appreciate you!!!!” he wrote at the time. “I may have been down but don’t ever count me out I refuse to give up on all the people rooting for the dreamers of the world as long theres breath in me I’m gonna live and strive everyday to be my best self and show that I’m not just talk Im working very hard both mentally and physically let me know what you think also before I forget if you haven’t clicked the follow button or visited and subscribed to my youtube channel please don’t forget to continue to show your support by doing so thank you once again.”
