Current:Home > StocksJennifer Hudson, Barry Manilow mourn death of 'American Idol' vocal coach Debra Byrd-LoTradeCoin
Jennifer Hudson, Barry Manilow mourn death of 'American Idol' vocal coach Debra Byrd
View Date:2024-12-23 22:48:25
"American Idol" is mourning the loss of former vocal coach Debra Byrd and the show's alumni are speaking out in her honor.
In a statement also posted to social media, reps for the ABC reality TV singing competition celebrated Byrd's life after she died at 72.
"American Idol is mourning the loss of Debra Byrd, who was affectionately known as "Byrd" on set," the statement read. "She served as a vocal coach on the show for its first ten seasons and played an essential role in the program's success throughout that decade. By working closely with the contestants, she was able to guide them and became a trusted figure for many stars."
Katy Perry is leaving 'American Idol'amid 'very exciting year'
"Debra was a kind and caring person who always had a smile on her face. She was an integral part of the Idol family, and we are grateful to have so many wonderful memories of her," the statement continued.
In addition to "Idol," Hudson appeared as a vocal coach on NBC's hit "The Voice" and also contributed as a singer on the film soundtracks for "The Lion King, "2 1/2" and "Sister Act II." She also worked with Barry Manilow for several years, touring in the star's group Ladyflash, according to Deadline.
Byrd was a vocal coach during the former FOX show's first 10 seasons and mentored contestants such as Jennifer Hudson, who was among a slew of former contestants who paid tribute to the late beloved singer.
Jennifer Hudson says she's 'heartbroken' over former vocal coach Debra Byrd's passing
Talk show host and EGOT-winner Hudson, who was a finalist on the third season of the FOX edition, was "heartbroken" over the death of Byrd.
"She encouraged and supported us from the very beginning ! I am so grateful for everything she taught us. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy lives on through the music of countless artists she influenced during her lifetime. Rest in peace, Debra," Hudson wrote on Instagram on Wednesday.
American Idol' alum Clay Aiken announces2022 run for Congress in North Carolina
Legendary singer Manilow bid farewell to his beloved friend in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.
"This is one of the saddest days of my life. I just can’t wrap my mind around the fact that Debra is no longer with me. She was one of the most wonderful friends I’ve ever had. I will miss you forever, my love," Manilow said.
"American Idol" season two runner-up Clay Aiken remembered Byrd in a statement to Deadline.
"I don’t think it would be an exaggeration to say that no one was a better mentor, coach, teacher, or champion to us Idol contestants than Byrd was,” Aiken said. “No one spent more time with us. I’ll never forget her drilling into us how we needed to look right into the camera and connect with the audience at home. She was a light in so many lives. I am so lucky that I got to call her a friend.”
veryGood! (61)
Related
- Kevin Costner says he hasn't watched John Dutton's fate on 'Yellowstone': 'Swear to God'
- Dangerous storms, tornadoes threaten more than 80 million on East Coast
- Federal judge tosses Trump's defamation claim against E. Jean Carroll
- 'Today' show's Jill Martin says she likely is cancer-free, but may undergo chemo
- Suicides in the US military increased in 2023, continuing a long-term trend
- 'A full-time job': Oregon mom's record-setting breastmilk production helps kids worldwide
- DeSantis acknowledges Trump's defeat in 2020 election: Of course he lost
- 'That's so camp': What the slang and aesthetic term means, plus its place in queer history
- Kirk Herbstreit berates LSU fans throwing trash vs Alabama: 'Enough is enough, clowns'
- Hiker found dead on remote Phoenix trail was probably a victim of the heat, authorities say
Ranking
- Prosecutors say some erroneous evidence was given jurors at ex-Sen. Bob Menendez’s bribery trial
- Biden heads west for a policy victory lap, drawing an implicit contrast with Trump
- Swarms of birds will fly over the US soon. Explore BirdCast's new migration tool to help you prepare.
- Why scientists are concerned that a 'rare' glacial flooding event could happen again
- 'Devastation is absolutely heartbreaking' from Southern California wildfire
- Unlimited vacation can save companies billions. But is it a bad deal for workers?
- South Korea begins evacuating thousands of global Scouts from its coast as a tropical storm nears
- Paramount to sell Simon & Schuster to private equity firm KKR for $1.62 billion
Recommendation
-
Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Mixed Use
-
White Sox's Tim Anderson, Guardians' Jose Ramirez and four others suspended over brawl
-
Georgia kids would need parental permission to join social media if Senate Republicans get their way
-
From Conventional to Revolutionary: The Rise of the Risk Dynamo, Charles Williams
-
Some women are stockpiling Plan B and abortion pills. Here's what experts have to say.
-
Urgent effort underway to save coral reefs from rising ocean temperatures off Florida Keys
-
Prebiotic sodas promise to boost your gut health. Here's what to eat instead
-
'Claim to Fame' castoff Hugo talks grandpa Jimmy Carter's health and dating a castmate