Awful news

"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!," Kiker's sister, Angela Evans, said in an emotional Facebook post.

"Your singing with the Angel’s now Bubba Please pray for our family as we go threw this very difficult time."

Kiker was a garbage collector when he first appeared on Season 18 of the American talent show, and he moved judges to tears with his performance.

The Alabama native sang Rascal Flatts’ 'God Bless This Broken Road' in 2020, leaving judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry, in awe.

Perry was moved to tears by his rendition of the country song, which was Kiker's first performance in front of an audience.

Although he did not progress to the next round, Kiker became beloved by fans and was brought back for the season finale to perform alongside Rascal Flatts.

Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez, another sister of Kiker, shared an emotional statement following the news of her brother's death.

"Today I got the call that no one wants to get," she wrote.

"We lost an amazing person today. He had the biggest smile and knew how to make you laugh.

"I know I didn’t raise him but I never stopped loving him. My parents did an amazing job with him. Douglas Kiker you will forever be missed. Fly high. Say hey to grandma."