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“American Idol” began as a summer replacement series on Fox in 2002, and Nikki McKibbin helped the show establish itself and its hallmarks. Every season seems to feature a rock-oriented performer who doesn’t quite fit in with all the pop singers and adult-contemporary divas, and McKibbin was the first. Recognizable for her bright pink hair and flashy stage outfits, McKibbin covered Pan Benatar and Stevie Nicks songs on her way to nearly winning “American Idol,” finishing in third place behind Kelly Clarkson and Justin Guarini. After struggling with Sony Music over the creative direction of her career, McKibbin independently released her long-awaited debut album “Unleashed” in 2007.
On October 31, 2020, McKibbin’s husband Craig Sadler announced that an aneurysm befell the reality TV contestant and musician. Kept on life support systems for a few days so that her organs could be donated per her wishes, McKibbin died on November 1, 2020, at the age of 42. “Nikki McKibbin was a fiery, funny lady who could sing the hell out of a rock song with the same kind of ease and command she lovingly used to cut you with her twangy Southern wit,” Guarini wrote on Instagram. “Thank you for the laughter, merciless teasing, strength, vulnerability, love and friendship you showed me during our time together in the spotlight.”
