Nikki McKibbin, the second runner-up on the first season of American Idol, is dead. The singer was just 42 years old. Her family says she’s giving the gift of life to others.
McKibbin’s husband of 13 years, Chris Sadler, announced on Facebook that she suffered a brain aneurysm last Wednesday. Sadler said his wife was kept on life support in order to enable her to donate her organs. “That shouldn’t be a surprise to us. Even at the end, she is still giving. She was so loved that I know thousands of you will be grieving with us. There are only a few hours left for me to hold her hand and kiss her forehead.”
Husband Asks Fans To Play Special Song
Sadler said that COVID-19 restrictions prevented a proper memorial service for the singer. He asked that friends and fans play the Fleetwood Mac song, Landslide, to honor his wife. McKibbin was a fan of Stevie Nicks. The singer even sent McKibbin flowers when she was an Idol contestant.
Fellow American Idol contestant Justin Guarini called her, “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.”
McKibbin struggled with substance abuse issues, even appearing on Celebrity Rehab but had been sober for 11 years at the time of her death. On her Facebook Page, she described herself as a “Mom, a nana, a vocal coach, a singer, an artist, an author & a reality tv personality.”
American Idol producers released a statement saying, “Nikki McKibbin was an incredible talent and we are deeply saddened by the news of her passing. She was part of our American Idol family and will be truly missed. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this difficult time.”
McKibbin is survived by her husband and 23-year-old son, Tristen Cole Langley. Langley auditioned for season 13 of American Idol.