Doug Kiker, singing garbage man who wowed ‘America Idol’ judges, dies at 32

Doug Kiker, the garbage collector turned musician who moved Katy Perry to tears on “American Idol,” has died, his family announced. He was 32.

Kiker’s sister, Angela Evans, broke the news in an emotional Facebook post on Wednesday.

“It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of my brother Douglas Kiker he was sooo loved and will be missed by so many!,” she said. “Your singing with the Angel’s now Bubba Please pray for our family as we go threw this very difficult time.”

The Alabama native rose to fame after he impressed “American Idol” judges with his rendition of Rascal Flatts’ “God Bless This Broken Road” in 2020. His audition marked the first moment he ever sang in front of an audience.

His performance was unanimously praised by judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry, who welled up with tears.

“I want us all to let you know, you’re a hell of a man,” Richie said following the audition.

Although he didn’t advance through the next round, Kiker became a fan favorite and was brought back for the Season 18 finale to perform with Rascal Flatts themselves.

Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez, another sister of Kiker’s, shared her thoughts on Thursday after receiving the news.

“Today I got the call that no one wants to get. We lost an amazing person today. He had the biggest smile and knew how to make you laugh,” she said. “I know I didn’t raise him but I never stopped loving him. My parents did an amazing job with him. Douglas Kiker you will forever be missed. Fly high. Say hey to grandma.”

The cause of death was not announced.

Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez set up a GoFundMe on Thursday to assist with funeral expenses. As of Friday, it has reached $3,968 of its $4,500 goal.

“We are now left with the difficult task of bringing him home and covering funeral expenses,” Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez wrote.