Movies

Douglas Kiker, the ‘Singing Garbage Man’ who wowed ‘American Idol’ judges, dies at 32

BBG News

It was announced this week that Douglas Kiker, famously recognized as “The Singing Garbage Man” on American Idol, has tragically passed away at the age of 32.

Angela Evans posted on Facebook yesterday that her brother, Douglas Kiker, has sadly passed away. He was deeply cherished and his absence will be felt by countless people. Now, he’s singing among the angels, affectionately known as Bubba. She expressed her request for prayers to help the family during this trying period.

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With deep sorrow, we must bid farewell to an individual whose heart was genuinely kind and who brought endless laughter. This is the sentiment shared by the family on a GoFundMe page established to manage funeral expenses and transport his body from Denver. Douglas, cherished as a son, brother, father, and friend.

On Monday, Kiker, who was Valerie Cook’s partner and father to their two children, passed away at Denver Health Medical Center. This information was confirmed by a representative from the Denver Medical Examiner’s office in an email to The Times on Friday. Kiker had been taken there by ambulance on March 5, just a few blocks east of City Center Park. The cause and manner of his death are currently under investigation.

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As a self-proclaimed cinephile, I’ve got a fascinating tale to share – how I earned my unique moniker, “Kiker.” You see, during my everyday grind in Mobile, Alabama, I was perched precariously atop a garbage truck, not your typical setting for an aspiring singer. Yet, amidst the clatter and the stench, I’d let loose with a melody or two, earning me the nickname that stuck like glue.

Without any prior stage experience, he attempted to join “American Idol” during Season 18, expressing that it was for his little girl’s sake. Impressing the judges with his rendition of “Bless the Broken Road,” he advanced to Hollywood Week. During the audition, Luke Bryan even joined him at the piano, aiding Kiker in determining his vocal range and pushing him to reach different notes.

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Lionel Richie declared about the singer: ‘For a man who’s unaware of the power in his own voice, for a man who doesn’t know what key he’s singing in, for a man still discovering who he truly is, his mission is clear. He aims to prove to his daughter that he matters. I want everyone to understand, you are an extraordinary individual.’

1. Ryan Seacrest and the judges stood in a row to hand Kiker his pass to Hollywood. One by one, he received warm embraces from the judges, while Katy Perry dabbed at her eyes with a tissue.

2. The judges and host Ryan Seacrest were standing ready to give Kiker his ticket for Hollywood. After each judge gave him a hug, Katy Perry brushed away some tears.

3. In a row, Ryan Seacrest and the judges presented Kiker with his ticket to Hollywood. Each of them gave him a hug, and Katy Perry wiped her eyes as she watched.

4. With Ryan Seacrest and the judges in position, they handed Kiker his ticket for Hollywood. As one judge after another hugged him, Katy Perry tried to hold back tears.

5. The judges and host Ryan Seacrest were all lined up to give Kiker his ticket to Hollywood. After each of them embraced him, Katy Perry dabbed her eyes with a tissue.

Television

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Initially, Kiker didn’t advance beyond Hollywood Week during the show, but he came back for the finale. During this time, he collaborated with Rascal Flatts to perform a virtual rendition of the song he had sung at his audition. This song, “Bless the Broken Road,” gained popularity in 2005 when it was made famous by the group Rascal Flatts, and originally recorded by the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, this performance was broadcast on television with each singer, judge, and host appearing individually within a Zoom-like frame.

Amazing, folks! I’m still in awe that I shared the stage with Rascal Flatts – a moment I never thought would happen after my initial audition. Since then, life has taken some incredible turns, and I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been working diligently on putting together an album! Can’t wait to see what the future holds for this music lover.

This week on Facebook, William Kiker, his brother, shared a tribute. “Dear Brother,” he penned, “I simply wanted to let you know that no matter where you are, you’ll forever remain my little brother.” He added, “I believe you’ve found peace now, and although I wish we could have spent more time together, until I can see you again, give my regards to bubba and tell him I love him. Rest in peace, Douglas Kiker – my cherished little brother.

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2025-03-14 23:02

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