A spokesperson for the Walker County Coroner confirmed that 'American Idol' alumnus CJ Harris, who competed on Season 13 and finished sixth overall, passed away on Sunday at age 31 due to a medical issue.
The news was initially reported by TMZ, with a family member confirming Harris's heart attack. No official cause of death has been announced.
CJ Harris Dead at 31
In 2014, CJ Harris' audition performance of 'Soul Shine' by the Allman Brothers was praised by then-judge Keith Urban. Before ending in sixth place, CJ Harris sang John Mayer's 'Waiting on the World to Change,' Tom Petty's 'Free Fallin',' and Darius Rucker's 'Radio.' In 2019, he released his debut single, 'In Love.'
The Alabama native discussed the influence of his 'Idol' experience in an AL.com interview in 2014. Willie Spence, a 23-year-old alumnus of 'American Idol,' died in October after colliding with the back end of a tractor-trailer parked on the shoulder of an expressway, according to a Tennessee Highway Patrol report. During Season 19, Harris placed second.
Nikki McKibbin, who came third on the first season of 'American Idol' behind Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini, passed away in November 2020 at the age of 42, as per USA Today.
In 2014, the singer made it into the top six on the reality television program. Subsequently, he became acquainted with Darius Rucker, who eventually became his mentor. A family member told the website that the family was shocked by his death. His path to Idol was difficult.
CJ Harris' American Idol Journey
Harris first auditioned unsuccessfully for The X-Factor and The Voice. During the thirteenth season of American Idol, which occurred in 2014, he made a strong impact. At the time, the judges included Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr., and Keith Urban.
He initially auditioned in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and then in Salt Lake City, Utah. Harris' performance of the Allman Brothers Band's iconic smash Soulshine thrilled the judges.
Judge Urban stated to CJ, "You sing because you must, not because you want to. I mean this in the deepest sense. And this is why it is so believable and real."
In 2014, he said that he spontaneously auditioned for American Idol. " I noticed they were conducting the bus tour and they were going to be 30 minutes down the road from me," he continued.
After moving to Nashville, he continued to find success, performing at the Grand Ole Opry with Darius Rucker. And he was a member of American Idol's season 13 tour.
Harris disclosed that he had humble beginnings. At the age of eight, he began learning to play the guitar on a damaged instrument that his grandfather had given him. It had only three strings, but it was sufficient to hook him on music. Additionally, he sang in the church choir and learned the piano.
John Legend, John Mayer, and Keith Urban were a few of his inspirations. Before appearing on American Idol, he released the album 'Small Town Boy' as an independent performer. Jessica Meuse, who competed with Harris in season 13 of Idol, offered a poignant tribute, Daily Mail reported.
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