Nikki McKibbin, a singer from Texas best known for her third place finish in the first season of American Idol, has died. She was 42.
McKibbin's husband, Craig Sadler, confirmed her death in a Facebook post, saying that she had died after suffering a brain aneurysm on Wednesday and was taken off life support early Sunday. Her husband did not say where she died.
"She would already be gone, but she's an organ donor and has been kept on life support to make that possible. That shouldn't be a surprise to us. Even at the end she is still giving," Sadler said.
McKibbin's son, Tristen Langley, told The New York Times that his mother died in Arlington, Texas.
"She was so loved that I know thousands of you will be grieving with us," Sadler said. "She loved so many of you and I know you loved her too."
McKibbin appeared on American Idol in 2002, when the show started and became an instant hit.
A 23-year-old from Grand Prairie, Texas, McKibbin impressed the judges with soulful performances of songs by Janis Joplin, Stevie Nicks and a stirring cover of Alanna Myles' song "Black Velvet."
Nikki McKibbin celebrates during the final episode of Fox's television competition "American Idol," in Los Angeles, in this Sept. 4, 2002, file photo.
Lucy Nicholson / AP
McKibbin finished third on the show that year, behind Justin Guarini and Kelly Clarkson, who won the competition.
Guarini wrote on Instagram: "Nikki McKibben was a fiery, funny lady who could sing the Hell out of a rock song with the same kind of ease and command she lovingly used to cut you with her twangy Southern wit."
Gracious in defeat, McKibbin tearfully hugged her fellow contestants when she was voted out in 2002.
"What an incredible journey this has been," McKibbin said before leaving the stage. "Just to know that so many people support me and enjoy what I do means more than anything in the world.″
The often acid-tongued Simon Cowell was equally gracious.
"Reality check: Out of 10,000 people, you are third. This is not a time for tears,″ he told McKibbin. ``You've got a career ahead of you.″
In a statement, American Idol sent its condolences to McKibbin's family and friends.
"Nikki McKibbin was an incredible talent and we are deeply saddened by the news of her passing," the TV show said in a statement posted on Twitter. "She was part of our American Idol family and will be truly missed."
Former "American "Idol" judge Paula Abdul also shared condolences on Twitter, praising the "strong & spirited woman who always stayed true to who she was."