Late American Idol Contestant Douglas Kiker Share Two Kids With His Ex-Fiance Valerie Cook

Late American Idol contestant Douglas Kiker was a father to two.

Douglas Kiker, a contestant on American Idol season 18 who memorably moved series judge Katy Perry to tears with his audition performance, has d*ed at 32.

Highlights

• American Idol contestant Douglas Kiker passed away on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Reports claimed that Kiker may have been overdosing on a chemical substance.
• Douglas Kiker and Valerie Cook had two daughters, Elianna Elizabeth Kiker and Kalinah Ann Kiker. On September 29, 2021, he celebrated Halloween with them and shared a glimpse on Instagram.
• Valerie Cook graduated from the University of South Alabama and is the accounts receivable at Northcutt Dental.

Law enforcement sources said that Kiker was transported to the hospital after a concerned citizen walked past him on the street. The individual called 911 and expressed worries about Kiker’s experience.

The passerby told the 911 operator that they suspected Kiker may have been overdosing on a chemical substance. He reportedly lost his life in the hospital five days later.

Kiker’s sisters, Angela Evans and Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez, confirmed the news on Facebook on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Evans wrote,

Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez wrote,

Ramirez also organized a GoFundMe campaign to cover Kiker’s funeral expenses. The campaign has already surpassed its goal of $4,500.

Douglas’s brother, William V Kiker, paid a small tribute to him through his Facebook handle on March 13, 2025. He wrote,

Kiker had a memorable spotlight in his 2020 American Idol audition at the start of Season 18. He performed a cover of Rascal Flatts’ “Bless the Broken Road” that impressed judges Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan.

Douglas Kiker Had Two Kids With Her Ex-Fiance Valerie Cook

Douglas Kiker and Valerie Cook were blessed with their first child, a daughter, Elianna Elizabeth Kiker, 7, on September 9, 2017.

After several years, the couple welcomed their second daughter, Kalinah Ann Kiker, 4, on May 5, 2020. Douglas announced the news through his Instagram handle, stating,

Douglas frequently posts photos of his kids on his official Instagram handle. On July 29, 2020, Douglas posted a picture of spending quality time with Kalinah on Instagram with the caption,

Douglas celebrated Halloween with their daughters and shared a glimpse on Instagram on September 29, 2021. He captioned,

Following Douglas and Valerie’s separation, Valerie filed a petition for permanent custody of their two children on April 16, 2024.

Ex-Fiance Valerie Cook Is Mourning The Loss Of Douglas Kiker

American Idol contestant Douglas Kiker was engaged to Valerie Cook. Their exact date of engagement has not been revealed yet.

Follwing several years of engagement, they separated after having two kids.

Recently, Valerie Cook mourned the loss of her ex-fiance Douglas Kiker. She told TMZ that she is upset that her kids lost their father.

According to Valerie’s official Facebook handle, she is originally from Mobile, Alabama, and went to Alma Bryant High School.

Later, she graduated from the University of South Alabama. She is currently the accounts receivable at Northcutt Dental.

Additional Information

• Douglas Kiker auditioned for Season 18 of American Idol with zero performing experience, saying he was doing it for his little girl. He made it to Hollywood Week after charming the judges with his take on “Bless the Broken Road.”
• Kiker’s sister lives in Greensboro, Alabama, and studied Early childhood education at Shelton State Community College. She married Marvin Evans on May 3, 2013.
• His sister, Donna Kiker Carrillos-Ramirez, was married on October 13, 2007. She has two daughters: Miriam Hernandez and Ana-Maria Hernandez.
• Kiker’s brother, William V. Kiker, studied at Shelton State Community College and is a Technician at Turbo Filtration Corporation.