American Idol Finalist Nikki McKibbin Dies Sunday At 42

2002 American Idol finalist, Nikki McKibbin, has died of brain aneurysm, according to Sunday reports. She was 42.

McKibbin, who placed third on the first season of “American Idol,” passed away after suffering a brain aneurysm.

According to TMZ, McKibbin died after being admitted to the hospital and placed on life support. She died around 3 a.m. Sunday. She was taken to the operating room where her organs were harvested and she was pronounced dead.

McKibbin appeared on ‘AI’ in 2002, when the show hit like an earthquake, drawing huge audiences. Her best-remembered performance was a cover of Alannah Myles’ song, “Black Velvet.” She also covered Stevie Nicks, Alanis Morissette, Melissa Etheridge, and Janis Joplin.

Nikki finished behind Justin Guarini and Kelly Clarkson, who won the competition.

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