American Idol pays moving tribute to long-time executive who was brutally slain at her home alongside husband

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American Idol honored a music supervisor who tragically passed away earlier this year. She had worked on the show for more than ten years.

In July 2025, Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, were found shot and killed at their home in Encino, California. Police have arrested a suspect and filed murder charges.

The premiere of season 24 included a tribute to Kaye, a long-time executive who had been involved with the show since it began in 2002, keeping their memory alive.

The episode started with a special message honoring Kaye, dedicating the new season to her memory.

A photo of Kaye appeared on screen with the message: ‘Season 24 of American Idol: Dedicated to Robin Kaye. We’ll save you a seat.’

Kaye, a celebrated music supervisor known for her work on Idol, and her musician husband were discovered shot to death at their home in Encino, California, on July 14th.

Raymond Boodarian, 22, faces murder charges in connection with two deaths, as well as a charge of breaking into a home. Prosecutors allege these murders were multiple and committed while he was burglarizing the residence.

According to prosecutors, Boodarian was breaking into Kaye and Deluca’s house on July 10th when they came home.

A fight broke out, and the 22-year-old is accused of shooting and killing the couple. Their bodies weren’t discovered for four days, when worried family members asked police to check on them.

Deluca died almost instantly from a headshot, and Kaye passed away just minutes after.

Police say the victims came home to find a suspect already inside their house, and a struggle followed, ending with the suspect fatally shooting themselves, according to People magazine.

The people who were shot died from their injuries, and the person believed to be responsible ran away from the house.

Police arrested Boodarian only a day after the shocking discovery at the Reseda townhome he lived in with his mother and sister. Officers drew their guns during the arrest.

As a longtime follower of this case, I’ve learned that investigators now believe the killings were completely random. They haven’t been able to find any link whatsoever between the suspect and the couple, as reported by People magazine. It’s just incredibly sad and baffling.

But Boodarian has a criminal history as well as a history of mental illness.

In November, a judge ruled that Boodarian was unfit to stand trial. 

According to The Wrap, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Maria Cavalluzzi has ruled that murder suspect Boodarian is currently unfit to stand trial. He will be transferred to a state facility for treatment of a mental health condition, which will involve psychiatric medication.

The judge stated that the defendant isn’t able to make informed decisions about psychiatric medication. They ordered efforts to restore this ability, explaining that because the case involves a death, it’s important to ensure the defendant can participate in their own defense.

I was so heartbroken to hear about Kaye’s passing. American Idol really summed it up perfectly when they called her a cornerstone of the Idol family – and that’s exactly how we all felt about her. She was truly integral to everything the show stood for.

We were deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of Robin and her husband, Tom, a spokesperson told the Daily Mail.

Oh my gosh, Robin has been part of the Idol family forever – since 2009! And honestly, everyone who ever met her just adored her. She was so loved and respected, it’s amazing. I mean, she’s just the best!

We are heartbroken by the loss of Robin and send our deepest condolences to her family and friends.

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2026-01-27 23:19