American Idol alum C.J. Harris dies at 31

C.J. Harris, a former contestant on “American Idol” who finished sixth overall in Season 13, passed away on Sunday at the age of 31 after experiencing a medical emergency, the Walker County Coroner’s office confirmed. First to break the story was TMZ, which was informed by a family member that Harris had a heart attack. No official reason for death has been disclosed.

In 2014, Harris performed the Allman Brothers’ “Soul Shine” in his audition, garnering praise from then-judge Keith Urban who said, “You sing ’cause you have to sing, not ’cause you want to sing. And I mean that in the deepest way. And that’s why it’s so believable and real.” Harris went on to sing songs including John Mayer’s “Waiting on the World to Change,” Tom Petty’s “Free Fallin'” and Darius Rucker’s “Radio” before finishing in sixth place. He released his debut single, “In Love,” in 2019.

Ever since I was a little boy, I wanted to see those lights on stage: Harris

In an interview with AL.com in 2014, the Alabama native talked about the effects of his “Idol” experience. “I grew up in the church, playing gospel music and singing in the choir. I guess I was a little nervous to go on ‘Idol,’ because I didn’t know if I was prepared. Moreover, I didn’t have the training,” Harris said. “Now, when I get on stage in front of these crowds, it doesn’t matter if I have my eyes closed. I don’t have to keep a camera view. I can calm down, relax and be myself. Ever since I was a little boy, I wanted to see those lights on stage. Every time I get into my bed right after a show, I still can’t believe I’ve been on stage. I’m having a lot more fun than I did on the TV show.”

According to reports by ABC News and NBC News quoting a Tennessee Highway Patrol report, another “American Idol” graduate, Willie Spence, died at the age of 23 after colliding with the tail of a tractor-trailer that was stopped on the shoulder of a highway. In Season 19, he came in second place. Nikki McKibbin, who placed third on “American Idol’s” inaugural season behind Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini, passed away at the age of 42 in November 2020.