Debra Byrd
by Jeroslyn JoVonn

March 8, 2024

Jennifer Hudson ‘Heartbroken’ Over Death Of ‘American Idol’ Vocal Coach Debra Byrd

Jennifer Hudson and the "American Idol" community are mourning the loss of the show's early vocal coach, Debra Byrd.

Jennifer Hudson and the American Idol community are mourning the loss of the show’s early vocal coach, Debra Byrd.

Byrd passed away on Tuesday, March 5, in Los Angeles at age 72, Deadline reports. No cause of death has been revealed as she leaves behind a list of friends and students in the music industry who are all saddened by the loss.

As the vocal coach on American Idol for the first 10 seasons, Byrd worked closely alongside the show’s early stars, such as Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia Barrino, and Clay Aiken. The show released a tribute post to Byrd celebrating the “integral” role she played in the music competition’s inception.

Hudson took to Instagram on Thursday to express her sorrow over Byrd’s passing in a heartfelt tribute post.

“Heartbroken over the passing of Debra Byrd, the vocal coach on American Idol. She encouraged and supported us from the very beginning,” Hudson shared in her caption.

“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.”

The tribute shared highlights from Hudson’s time on American Idol, where Byrd coached the future EGOT winner on how to hone in on her singing ability. Another photo shows Byrd standing alongside Hudson as she sang with Elton John.

Byrd also served as a vocal coach on NBC’s The Voice, sang on soundtracks for The Lion King, 2 1/2, and Sister Act II, and worked with Barry Manilow for several years as part of his group, Ladyflash. The legendary singer took to X to share his sadness over Byrd’s passing.

“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,” he wrote. “She was one of the most wonderful friends I’ve ever had. I will miss you forever, my love.”

Season 2 runner-up Clay Aiken, who has since shifted from music into local politics, released a statement honoring the “mentor” Byrd was to him and other early contestants on American Idol.

“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.”

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