Haley Smith, a former “American Idol” contestant who appeared on Season 11 in 2012, died over Labor Day weekend in a motorcycle accident.
The 26-year-old was killed early in the morning after losing control on a road in Millinocket, Maine, according to police reports. Smith’s father told TMZ that a deer might have played a role in the crash since Haley was an experienced rider and that he doubted that she would have gotten into trouble with her bike all on her own.
Haley auditioned for “American Idol” in Colorado for then-judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson. She didn’t get past the second Hollywood round, but initially pleased the trio with her ‘70s folksy restyling of the Rufus and Chaka Khan R&b classic “Tell Me Something Good” done a capella. Watch her audition segment above.
Seerip: ‘American Idol’ singing contestants who have died
The Orem, Utah, teen...
The 26-year-old was killed early in the morning after losing control on a road in Millinocket, Maine, according to police reports. Smith’s father told TMZ that a deer might have played a role in the crash since Haley was an experienced rider and that he doubted that she would have gotten into trouble with her bike all on her own.
Haley auditioned for “American Idol” in Colorado for then-judges Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson. She didn’t get past the second Hollywood round, but initially pleased the trio with her ‘70s folksy restyling of the Rufus and Chaka Khan R&b classic “Tell Me Something Good” done a capella. Watch her audition segment above.
Seerip: ‘American Idol’ singing contestants who have died
The Orem, Utah, teen...
- 9/4/2019
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
After a so-so revival last year when ABC took over “American Idol,” most fans are in agreement that the talent on display on Season 17 is a giant leap for singing kind. The show overall seems to be more entertaining. Yes, judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan are never going to be as scathingly funny as Simon Cowell in his snide heyday. But their personalities and musical knowledge complement each other and all three seem quite genuine in their quest to help the contestants to up their games.
Very early in this current edition of the show, the words “best season ever” were uttered. It is all subjective, of course, but with just one more episode and the three-hour finale left, No. 17 could go down in “Idol’ ‘history talent-wise once a winner is crowned. Of course, factoring into that assessment will be the winner’s post-show success as well.
Very early in this current edition of the show, the words “best season ever” were uttered. It is all subjective, of course, but with just one more episode and the three-hour finale left, No. 17 could go down in “Idol’ ‘history talent-wise once a winner is crowned. Of course, factoring into that assessment will be the winner’s post-show success as well.
- 5/11/2019
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
The Season 17 premiere of “American Idol” aired Sunday, March 3 on ABC and introduced the country to several aspiring singers who hope to follow in the footsteps of former winners Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. But one thing that overshadowed the competition was when “American Idol” judge Katy Perry revealed the origin story of how she met boyfriend Orlando Bloom. In case you missed it, the meet-cute involved the Golden Globes, In-n-Out Burger and petty theft.
See‘American Idol’: You judge the judges – Rate Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie [Poll]
When Idaho contestant Johanna Jones informed judges Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan that her daily job was cooking burgers at the fast food chain, Perry interjected, “Can I tell you one thing that’s kind of sweet? I met my boyfriend over at In-n-Out. We were at the Golden Globes and we weren’t together. I had my...
See‘American Idol’: You judge the judges – Rate Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie [Poll]
When Idaho contestant Johanna Jones informed judges Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan that her daily job was cooking burgers at the fast food chain, Perry interjected, “Can I tell you one thing that’s kind of sweet? I met my boyfriend over at In-n-Out. We were at the Golden Globes and we weren’t together. I had my...
- 3/4/2019
- by Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
As the 17th season of “American Idol” premieres on Sunday, March 3, we remember those six contestants who have left us since the reality TV show began in 2002. Some were fan favorites. Others were memorable oddballs who often made the wrong kind of impression. But all contributed in some way to making “American Idol” what it is today. In our “American Idol” deaths photo gallery above, we take a moment to reflect on the those who we have lost over the years, including such talents as Michael Johns, Rickey Smith and Leah Labelle.
SEEWhen does ‘American Idol’ 2019 start? Who are the judges and host for Season 17? We’ve got the scoop
Paula Goodspeed
Died: November 11, 2008
Cause of death: Suicide via drug overdose at age 30 in Sherman Oaks, California.
Show history: Born Sandra May McIntyre, she didn’t make it past the Season 5 auditions. But that didn’t stop her from obsessing over “Idol” judge Paula Abdul,...
SEEWhen does ‘American Idol’ 2019 start? Who are the judges and host for Season 17? We’ve got the scoop
Paula Goodspeed
Died: November 11, 2008
Cause of death: Suicide via drug overdose at age 30 in Sherman Oaks, California.
Show history: Born Sandra May McIntyre, she didn’t make it past the Season 5 auditions. But that didn’t stop her from obsessing over “Idol” judge Paula Abdul,...
- 3/2/2019
- by Susan Wloszczyna
- Gold Derby
Ex-NBA player Rasual Butler had multiple substances in his system at the time of his fatal crash back in January ... including alcohol, marijuana and painkillers ... according to the autopsy obtained by TMZ Sports. As we previously reported, Butler was behind the wheel of a Range Rover -- with a female passenger, Leah Labelle -- when he lost control around 2:30 Am and crashed into parking meters and a concrete wall. Both died immediately from injuries suffered in the crash.
- 5/31/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Jordin Sparks is honoring her late sister’s memory.
Last week, the American Idol winner’s 16-year-old step-sister Bryanna Jackson-Frias died following complications from her lifelong battle with sickle cell anemia.
The disease, which is more common in people of African descent, causes red blood cells to stick to vessel walls, blocking blood flow and preventing oxygen from reaching tissues; the lack of oxygen can damage organs and cause pain so severe it requires hospitalization.
“She fought her entire life — all 16 years, in and out of hospitals. And she was so strong,” Sparks, 28, told People Now exclusively on Wednesday. “She just dealt with it,...
Last week, the American Idol winner’s 16-year-old step-sister Bryanna Jackson-Frias died following complications from her lifelong battle with sickle cell anemia.
The disease, which is more common in people of African descent, causes red blood cells to stick to vessel walls, blocking blood flow and preventing oxygen from reaching tissues; the lack of oxygen can damage organs and cause pain so severe it requires hospitalization.
“She fought her entire life — all 16 years, in and out of hospitals. And she was so strong,” Sparks, 28, told People Now exclusively on Wednesday. “She just dealt with it,...
- 2/7/2018
- by Jeff Nelson
- PEOPLE.com
[[tmz:video id="0_drslhnl2"]] The car crash that killed beloved ex-NBA player Rasual Butler and his wife, Leah Labelle, was so loud, the audio was picked up on a home surveillance camera about a block and a half away from the incident. You can hear the tires screeching for roughly 2 seconds -- followed by a series of loud bangs. Cops say Butler's Range Rover was traveling at very high speed around 2:30 Am on Jan. 31 when he lost...
- 2/7/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Cops have launched an investigation into the car crash that killed ex-NBA player Rasual Butler and his wife Leah Labelle ... and they're retracing the couple's steps that night to find out exactly what went down. We've learned investigators have visited several businesses near the crash site in Studio City, CA -- including a popular bowling alley where the couple was spotted earlier in the evening. We know what you're thinking -- was alcohol involved?...
- 2/3/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Rasual Butler and Leah Labelle‘s memorial service has been announced by the late NBA star’s only child.
His daughter, Raven Butler, shared the details of the gathering on Instagram Friday with a photo of the invite that read: “Please join Rasual Butler and Lean Labelle’s family and close friends as we celebrate their lives with a memorial service.”
It will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3 at Potter’s House, the Los Angeles Christian church where Butler and Labelle were longtime members. The church’s Thursday night service was streamed online and dedicated in their memory.
Individual services...
His daughter, Raven Butler, shared the details of the gathering on Instagram Friday with a photo of the invite that read: “Please join Rasual Butler and Lean Labelle’s family and close friends as we celebrate their lives with a memorial service.”
It will be held on Saturday, Feb. 3 at Potter’s House, the Los Angeles Christian church where Butler and Labelle were longtime members. The church’s Thursday night service was streamed online and dedicated in their memory.
Individual services...
- 2/3/2018
- by Karen Mizoguchi
- PEOPLE.com
Rasual Butler and his wife, former American Idol contestant, Leah Labelle, both died in a car accident early Wednesday in Studio City, California.
Butler, 38, – a former NBA player for many teams including Miami Heat, the Toronto Raptors, the L.A. Clippers, the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards – reportedly lost control of his Range Rover at about 2 a.m. before striking a parking meter.
The car flipped before slamming into a wall. NBC Los Angeles reported that police said the vehicle was traveling at speeds two to three times higher than the limit.
Butler and Belle, 31, who came in 12th...
Butler, 38, – a former NBA player for many teams including Miami Heat, the Toronto Raptors, the L.A. Clippers, the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards – reportedly lost control of his Range Rover at about 2 a.m. before striking a parking meter.
The car flipped before slamming into a wall. NBC Los Angeles reported that police said the vehicle was traveling at speeds two to three times higher than the limit.
Butler and Belle, 31, who came in 12th...
- 2/1/2018
- by Alexia Fernandez
- PEOPLE.com
Former American Idol contestant Leah Labelle and her husband Rasual Butler have died after an early morning car crash. Los Angeles Police confirm to E! News that a crash occurred in Studio City, Calif., early Wednesday morning at 2:25 a.m. Pst. Rasual was the driver who lost control and collided with the curb. The Land Rover vehicle, which had Leah as a passenger, flipped twice before coming to a rest in a shopping center parking lot. According to the Los Angeles County Coroner office, both parties were pronounced dead on the scene. An autopsy is pending. Fans of American Idol may remember Leah when she first auditioned in front of Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson back in 2004. She would...
- 1/31/2018
- E! Online
Ex-nba player Rasual Butler and his wife -- a singer who appeared on "American Idol" -- were both killed in a single car crash in Studio City, CA early Wednesday morning, TMZ Sports has learned. 38-year-old Butler -- who was drafted by the Miami Heat in 2002 -- lost control of his Range Rover around 2 Am, struck a parking meter and slammed into a wall. The car flipped. Officers believe the car was speeding before it lost control.
- 1/31/2018
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Rasual Butler, a former NBA player who was drafted for Miami Heat and went on to play for multiple other teams, was killed in a car crash in Studio City, California, early Wednesday, the Los Angeles County coroner’s office told TheWrap. According to TMZ, Butler’s wife, singer and “American Idol” alum Leah Labelle, was also killed in the crash, though neither the coroner’s office nor the Los Angeles Police Department could confirm the identity of the female passenger, as her next of kin had not yet been notified. Police confirmed to TheWrap that a crash occurred at approximately 2:25 a.m., after...
- 1/31/2018
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
Looking good, Miley!
Miley Cyrus, 20, attended Pharrell Williams' 40th birthday bash in Miami Friday night and dressed like you'd expect if you listened at all to her new single with Snoop Lion, "Ashtrays and Heartbreaks," or if you're up to date on her extracurricular activities (Cyrus was snapped on a hotel balcony this weekend smoking a suspicious-looking cigarette).
Posing with Jennifer Hudson and Leah Labelle, Cyrus looked fit in a tiny black crop top and extra-baggy leather pants that hit right below her knees.
On Sunday night, the former Disney princess wore a black leather minidress when she hit a 21-and-over nightclub, where she reportedly partied the night away despite being underage. According to the Daily Mail, Cyrus' fiance Liam Hemsworth spent the weekend in California, not with his lady love in Miami.
Photo:...
Miley Cyrus, 20, attended Pharrell Williams' 40th birthday bash in Miami Friday night and dressed like you'd expect if you listened at all to her new single with Snoop Lion, "Ashtrays and Heartbreaks," or if you're up to date on her extracurricular activities (Cyrus was snapped on a hotel balcony this weekend smoking a suspicious-looking cigarette).
Posing with Jennifer Hudson and Leah Labelle, Cyrus looked fit in a tiny black crop top and extra-baggy leather pants that hit right below her knees.
On Sunday night, the former Disney princess wore a black leather minidress when she hit a 21-and-over nightclub, where she reportedly partied the night away despite being underage. According to the Daily Mail, Cyrus' fiance Liam Hemsworth spent the weekend in California, not with his lady love in Miami.
Photo:...
- 4/8/2013
- by Liat Kornowski
- Huffington Post
The 2012 Soul Train Awards nominations were announced Wednesday (Sept. 19), earning R&B artist R. Kelly a place in history as he brought his nominations total to 21 for his career, more than any other artist.
Usher received the most for 2012, with five nominations. Kelly received two noms, while the late Whitney Houston was nominated for Best Gospel Inspirational Performance and the late Amy Winehouse was nominated for Best International Performance.
The awards will be held Nov. 8 at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, hosted by Cedric the Entertainer. They will air on Bet on Nov. 25.
The full list of nominees:
Best New Artist
Elle Varner
Emeli Sande
J. Cole
Luke James
Robert Glasper
Centric Award
Daley
Esperanza Spalding
Gary Clark Jr.
Leah Labelle
Santigold
Best Gospel/Inspirational Performance
BeBe Winans- "America America"
Fred Hammond- "I Feel Good"
Marvin Sapp- "My Testimony"
Mary Mary- "Go Get It"
Whitney Houston and...
Usher received the most for 2012, with five nominations. Kelly received two noms, while the late Whitney Houston was nominated for Best Gospel Inspirational Performance and the late Amy Winehouse was nominated for Best International Performance.
The awards will be held Nov. 8 at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, hosted by Cedric the Entertainer. They will air on Bet on Nov. 25.
The full list of nominees:
Best New Artist
Elle Varner
Emeli Sande
J. Cole
Luke James
Robert Glasper
Centric Award
Daley
Esperanza Spalding
Gary Clark Jr.
Leah Labelle
Santigold
Best Gospel/Inspirational Performance
BeBe Winans- "America America"
Fred Hammond- "I Feel Good"
Marvin Sapp- "My Testimony"
Mary Mary- "Go Get It"
Whitney Houston and...
- 9/20/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Pop2it
The stars were out on Wednesday night to celebrate Belvedere Vodka's Nylon Summer Music Issue Celebration, with host Shirley Manson and special performance by Garbage. Luckily, I (TheInsider.com's very own Meg Swertlow!) also got an invite to the music-tastic soiree -- and I didn't even have to give up a kidney or my first born. Here are some of the VIP party deets!
After getting locked in the stairwell of parking lot – I feared my friend Kate and I would miss seeing my high school icon perform. But after a lot of yelling, a lot of scrambling up and down several flights of stairs in high heels, we got there just in time to see the amazing Shirley Manson take to the stage and prove once again she ain’t no stupid girl. While she the saucy Scottish singer and her band may have not come out with a record for seven years, the electrifying...
After getting locked in the stairwell of parking lot – I feared my friend Kate and I would miss seeing my high school icon perform. But after a lot of yelling, a lot of scrambling up and down several flights of stairs in high heels, we got there just in time to see the amazing Shirley Manson take to the stage and prove once again she ain’t no stupid girl. While she the saucy Scottish singer and her band may have not come out with a record for seven years, the electrifying...
- 5/31/2012
- TheInsider.com
For the final salvo in what’s arguably been the deepest, most evenly matched field in American Idol history, Tuesday night’s Season 11 finale came up surprisingly light in the competitive fireworks department.
Maybe the Top 2 — Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips — were still heeding last week’s instructions from their fallen comrade Joshua Ledet: “No! More! Drama!” Or perhaps it was just the incongruousness of the matchup, which was akin to making a choice between a stunning courture evening gown and a perfectly battered old t-shirt. (“But what’s the occasion?” you might’ve asked.)
Whatever the case, even...
Maybe the Top 2 — Jessica Sanchez and Phillip Phillips — were still heeding last week’s instructions from their fallen comrade Joshua Ledet: “No! More! Drama!” Or perhaps it was just the incongruousness of the matchup, which was akin to making a choice between a stunning courture evening gown and a perfectly battered old t-shirt. (“But what’s the occasion?” you might’ve asked.)
Whatever the case, even...
- 5/23/2012
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
The American Idol Top 3, Phillip Phillips, Jessica Sanchez, and Joshua Ledet will be heading home to film their hometown visits this weekend. During their visit, they will learn the name of the songs chosen for them by Jimmy Iovine and the judges. Then next Wednesday (Fox 8 p.m.), each contestant will sing 3 songs: Jimmy’s Choice, Judges’ Choice, and Their Choice.
The hometown visits will air on Thursday’s results show (8 p.m.), which will also feature Adam Lambert singing his latest single, “Never Close Our Eyes,” and Lisa Marie Presley performing “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet” from her new album,...
The hometown visits will air on Thursday’s results show (8 p.m.), which will also feature Adam Lambert singing his latest single, “Never Close Our Eyes,” and Lisa Marie Presley performing “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet” from her new album,...
- 5/11/2012
- by MJ Santilli
- EW - Inside TV
The road to Hell is paved with good intentions. The road to the American Idol crown, however, is littered with the wreckage of Whitney Houston and Stevie Wonder songs done very, very wrong.
It’s a testament to the Season 11 Top 13, then, that on a night where the ladies were asked to cover Whitney, and the gentlemen tackled Stevie, we barely heard the sound of tires squealing and metal combusting against metal. Oh, sure, there were a couple of minor fender-benders (from contestants whose names rhyme with Man-In Da-Pain and Yer-Pain Moans), but for the most part, the current crop...
It’s a testament to the Season 11 Top 13, then, that on a night where the ladies were asked to cover Whitney, and the gentlemen tackled Stevie, we barely heard the sound of tires squealing and metal combusting against metal. Oh, sure, there were a couple of minor fender-benders (from contestants whose names rhyme with Man-In Da-Pain and Yer-Pain Moans), but for the most part, the current crop...
- 3/8/2012
- by Michael Slezak
- TVLine.com
We also check in with Justin Guarini, Ruben Studdard, Constantine Maroulis and more 'Idol' alumni before season 11 kicks off.
By Jim Cantiello
Katharine McPhee
Photo: Getty Images
"American Idol" kicks off its 11th season Wednesday night with its first of eight audition episodes. But before we're inundated with a new batch of contestants (many of whom we'll forget about by June), let's play catch-up with some noteworthy alums.
Sure, our Kellys and Carries have remained household names throughout the years, but others — like Katharine McPhee and Leah Labelle — are poised to have their biggest post-"Idol" years yet.
Let's check in with standouts from seasons one through five:
Season One
The One You Know: Kelly Clarkson's fifth studio album, Stronger, is selling just fine, even if recent "Ron Paul sales bump" rumors were proven to be a bunch of hooey. The original Idol just kicked off her latest tour last week.
By Jim Cantiello
Katharine McPhee
Photo: Getty Images
"American Idol" kicks off its 11th season Wednesday night with its first of eight audition episodes. But before we're inundated with a new batch of contestants (many of whom we'll forget about by June), let's play catch-up with some noteworthy alums.
Sure, our Kellys and Carries have remained household names throughout the years, but others — like Katharine McPhee and Leah Labelle — are poised to have their biggest post-"Idol" years yet.
Let's check in with standouts from seasons one through five:
Season One
The One You Know: Kelly Clarkson's fifth studio album, Stronger, is selling just fine, even if recent "Ron Paul sales bump" rumors were proven to be a bunch of hooey. The original Idol just kicked off her latest tour last week.
- 1/18/2012
- MTV Music News
Wednesday night's (March 23) "American Idol" was Motown themed because nothing says "contemporary artist" like songs that were written half a century ago. That didn't prevent the stars from showing up in droves. Look! There's Jennifer Beals and Liv Tyler! Is that Kirsten Dunst having a gal's night out in the studio audience? And golly! Adam Shankman looks just divine in sweatpants!
The tension was extra-thick Wednesday, and not just because the audience clearly loves Steven Tyler a million times more than Jennifer Lopez. (Awkward!) You see, the top 11 were competing for 10 spots on this summer's "Idol" tour, which is not only a big money maker for the contestants but also an opportunity to be in close contact with stalkers from coast to coast.
Seacrest giddily pointed out that this was the first time Randy Jackson made it through a telecast without using the word "pitchy" but he failed to congratulate...
The tension was extra-thick Wednesday, and not just because the audience clearly loves Steven Tyler a million times more than Jennifer Lopez. (Awkward!) You see, the top 11 were competing for 10 spots on this summer's "Idol" tour, which is not only a big money maker for the contestants but also an opportunity to be in close contact with stalkers from coast to coast.
Seacrest giddily pointed out that this was the first time Randy Jackson made it through a telecast without using the word "pitchy" but he failed to congratulate...
- 3/24/2011
- by Jim Cantiello
- MTV Newsroom
The Season 10 premiere of "American Idol" is less than a week away and to make the days go by a bit faster, Zap2it decided to take a stroll down memory lane and re-evaluate the previous nine seasons.
Each day leading up to the premiere on Wednesday, Jan. 19, we will post a retrospective on each season. We're breaking it down into four categories: Best Performance, Worst Performance, Most Underrated Idol and most Overrated Idol. At the end, we will decide how the season stacks up against the rest, rating it as great, good, or not-so-good.
We've looked back at Season 1 (yay Kelly!) and Season 2 (aww, Clay and Ruben!) and now it's time to take a look back at the black hole of "American Idol." And don't even try to act like that's not a true statement in the year where Fantasia beat Diana DeGarmo.
Season 2 contestants in order of elimination:...
Each day leading up to the premiere on Wednesday, Jan. 19, we will post a retrospective on each season. We're breaking it down into four categories: Best Performance, Worst Performance, Most Underrated Idol and most Overrated Idol. At the end, we will decide how the season stacks up against the rest, rating it as great, good, or not-so-good.
We've looked back at Season 1 (yay Kelly!) and Season 2 (aww, Clay and Ruben!) and now it's time to take a look back at the black hole of "American Idol." And don't even try to act like that's not a true statement in the year where Fantasia beat Diana DeGarmo.
Season 2 contestants in order of elimination:...
- 1/14/2011
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Earlier today, "American Idol" announced that they were lowering their age limit to allow 15-year-olds to audition. Well that makes sense, since season nine's youngsters — Aaron Kelly, Haeley Vaughn and Katie Stevens — all exuded professionalism and mega-talent under pressure. (Rolls eyes.)
I don't mean to slam Aaron and Katie personally. In fact, both of those recent contestants have knocked my socks off post-"Idol." Aaron displayed some legitimate songwriting chops and Katie's vocals during the finale were as good — if not better — than her co-star Christina Aguilera. But during the competition, both of those contestants received criticisms from the judges that suggested they should have honed their craft and experienced life for a few more years before standing center stage in front of 30 million people. It's hard to get judged when you're 25, and it's a hundred times harder when you're a sensitive 15-year-old.
"But Jim," you might argue, "some of...
I don't mean to slam Aaron and Katie personally. In fact, both of those recent contestants have knocked my socks off post-"Idol." Aaron displayed some legitimate songwriting chops and Katie's vocals during the finale were as good — if not better — than her co-star Christina Aguilera. But during the competition, both of those contestants received criticisms from the judges that suggested they should have honed their craft and experienced life for a few more years before standing center stage in front of 30 million people. It's hard to get judged when you're 25, and it's a hundred times harder when you're a sensitive 15-year-old.
"But Jim," you might argue, "some of...
- 6/21/2010
- by Jim Cantiello
- MTV Newsroom
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