“American Idol” Pays Tribute To “Singing Garbage Man” Doug Kiker
on Mar 17, 2025
Doug Kiker Recently Passed Away At The Age Of 32
American Idol paid tribute to “Singing Garbage Man” Doug Kiker on its most recent episode, which aired on Sunday (March 16).
Doug Kiker auditioned for Season 18 of American Idol in 2020. Kiker, who worked as a garbage collector, had no professional singing experience. He told the judges the only time he ever “performed” was while singing on the back of his garbage truck.
Kiker was obviously nervous as he started to sing “Bless the Broken Road,” a song that’s been recorded by country groups such as the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band and Rascal Flatts. Wanting to give Kiker a chance to shine, the judges encouraged him to show them more.
“Show us what you can do with your voice,” said judge Katy Perry, to which Kiker responded, “I’m still trying to figure that out, too.”
From there, Luke Bryan jumped up, took a seat at the piano, and started playing the intro of “Bless the Broken Road.” Kiker sang along with him as he played. The moment brought Perry to tears.
The third judge, Lionel Richie, was equally moved. He told Kiker:
“For a man who does not know what his voice can do…For a man who has no idea what key he’s singing in…For a man who has no idea who the heck he can be…he’s here to do one thing. He’s trying to show his daughter that he’s somebody.”
Still crying, Perry said, “That was not garbage. It was greatness.”
All three of the judges gave Kiker a “yes” vote and gave him a Golden Ticket to Hollywood.
Kiker’s emotional audition quickly went viral after it aired. He soon earned the nickname “The Singing Garbage Man” and was one of the most beloved contestants of Season 18.
However, Kiker was eliminated during the first round of the competition in Hollywood Week. Although he never advanced to the fan-voted stage of the show, Kiker returned for the finale and sang “Bless the Broken Road” again.
American Idol Remembers Doug Kiker With End-Of-Episode Tribute
One year after he appeared on Idol, Kiker was arrested and charged on suspicion of domestic violence. He shared his last public Instagram post in December 2022, which included a video of him singing.
Then, in March 2025, several of Kiker’s family members shared the sad news that he passed away at the age of 32. His sister, Angela Evans said:
“He was sooo loved and will be missed by so many! [You’re] singing with the [angels] now Bubba. Please pray for our family as we go [through] this very difficult time.”
It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of my brother Douglas Kiker he was sooo loved and will…
Posted by Angela Evans on Wednesday, March 12, 2025
Another family member, Donna Carrillos, established a GoFundMe fundraiser to help Kiker’s family pay for his funeral expenses.
“It is with heavy hearts that we have to say goodbye to one of the most sincere souls and most hilarious person of all. Douglas, a beloved son, brother, father and friend.” Donna wrote.
Thousands of fans have paid tribute to Kiker after learning about his death. American Idol also shared a tribute to “The Singing Garbage Man” at the end of Sunday night’s (March 16) episode.
As the episode concluded, a picture of Kiker during his audition appeared on the screen. Text under the photo read, “In Memory of Douglas Kiker.“
Idol has not yet shared if they plan to honor Kiker with a musical tribute once the live shows begin this season. The show is currently airing its pre-filmed auditions.
In the meantime, remember Kiker by revisiting his Idol audition in the video below.
