Nikki McKibbin, the singer who was the third runner-up on the 2002 inaugural season of “American Idol” has passed away.
According to her friend, Gary McNamara, Nikki suffered an aneurysm and was placed on life support.
She was removed on Saturday and transitioned at 42.
Justin Guarini, who was first-runner up to winner, Kelly Clarkson, took to social media to share the sad news.
@realnikkimckibbin was 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.
Even in our 20’s when we were on American Idol together I could tell that she’d had a challenging life, and that not that many people had been kind to her along the way…
…but I’ll never forget the day that her idol, Stevie Nicks, sent her flowers with a card that said “You are the Gypsy that I was…”. Nikki was on cloud nine and the joy and excitement that radiated from her was infectious. After the kind of emotional beating she took at the hands of the masses, she deserved to feel good about herself, even for a little while.
Rest well, “Gypsy”…and thank you for the laughter, merciless teasing, strength, vulnerability, love and friendship you showed me during our time together in the spotlight. #rip #americanidol
See his original post below:
Nikki McKibbin leaves behind her husband, Craig Sadler, and her children to cherish her memory.
My condolences to all who knew and loved her.
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