According to urgent reports, a once-beloved former American Idol contestant has passed away. As TMZ reports, 31-year-old CJ Harris, who once made it to the top 6 of the popular singing competition show, suffered an appeared heart attack.
‘American Idol’ Alum CJ Dead at 31
As his family has revealed, the cardiac event occurred on the night of January 15. The Jasper, Alabama native was rushed to a nearby hospital by ambulance but didn’t survive.
Back in 2014, Harris quickly became a fan favorite after his initial American Idol audition. You can watch his performance, which blew then-judge Keith Urban way:
He later sang Soul Shine again while competing in the Top 8:
During his time on the show, Harris revealed that he was auditioning to be on American Idol for his “little boy.” At the time of his audition, Jordan Owen Harris was just a year and five months old.
“I just want him to have the best life he can have possible,” Harris told the cameras. He went on to say that he was exacted to learn from the judges and hone his craft a little more.
Harris revealed that he considered Darius Rucker as a musical influence. As TMZ reports, following his time on American Idol, Harris performed with Rucker at The Grand Ole Opry.
This story is still developing. Our thoughts and prayers are with CJ Harris’s son and family during this very difficult time.