American Idol alum who went viral as the 'Singing Garbage Man' dies at age 32

Douglas Kiker, who was on season 18 of American Idol, was known as the "Singing Garbage Man" because of his job as a garbage collector in Mobile, Alabama. His cause of death is still under investigation.

By Misty Severi

Published: March 13, 2025 8:40pm

A former American Idol contestant who went viral for his rendition of Rascal Flatts' "God Bless the Broken Road" died this week at the age of 32, his family shared on social media.

Douglas Kiker, who was on season 18 of American Idol, was known as the "Singing Garbage Man" because of his job as a garbage collector in Mobile, Alabama, according to Deadline. His cause of death is still under investigation.

Kiker, who was in his 20s on the show, was eliminated during Hollywood Week, just one week after he unanimously got a golden ticket for his cover of the Rascal Flatts song, which brought judge Katy Perry to tears.

His death was confirmed by his two sisters Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez, and Angela Evans.

“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," Evans wrote on Facebook. "Your singing with the Angel’s [sic] now Bubba. Please pray for our family as we go threw [sic] this very difficult time."

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.