Back to the Top News Newsfeed

Former ‘American Idol’ contestant Nikki McKibbin dead at 42

Nikki McKibbin — the colourful-haired rocker who made a big impression during American Idol’s inaugural 2002 season with her feisty Alannah Myles, Melissa Etheridge, Alanis Morissette, Bonnie Tyler, Stevie Nicks, and Janis Joplin covers, and eventually placed third behind Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini — has died.

According to a personal Facebook post by her husband, Craig Sadler, McKibbin suffered a brain aneurysm on Wednesday, and was kept on life support until Saturday so that her organs could be recovered for donation. She was 42.

“The current COVID situation won't allow the huge service that [McKibbin] deserves, but I would like to offer you the opportunity to honor her.