Debra Byrd cause of death: American Idol vocal coach dies at 72

Debra Byrd cause of death

Debra Byrd cause of death—

Debra Byrd, a singer and music professional who was featured as a vocal coach on TV shows such as American Idol and The Voice, has died.

Byrd was also featured on programs including Canadian Idol, Military Idol, Majors, and Minors in her television career.

Debra Byrd
Debra Byrd, a singer and music professional who was featured as a vocal coach on TV shows such as American Idol and The Voice , died Tuesday in Los Angeles at the age of 72. PHOTO: Merritt/Getty Images

Debra Byrd cause of death

Debra Byrd born on 19 July 1951, Cleveland, Ohio died 6 March 2024 in Los Angeles at the age of 72.

Byrd’s cause of death was not announced, according to Deadline. No information on survivors or memorial plans was immediately available.

‘Heartbroken over the passing of Debra Byrd, the vocal coach on American Idol,’ Hudson said on Twitter/X. ‘She encouraged and supported us from the very beginning!

‘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.’

She wrapped up in writing, ‘Rest in peace, Debra.’

Manilow said: ‘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 continued: ‘She was one of the most wonderful friends I’ve ever had. I will miss you forever, my love.’

American Idol alum Clay Aiken, 45, praised Byrd’s skills as a leader of young singers in a statement.

‘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, according to the outlet. ‘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.’

Who was Debra Byrd?

Debra Byrd was a renowned American vocalist who collaborated with Barry Manilow in Lady Flash and Bob Dylan.

She also appeared on Broadway and served as the head vocal coach for American Idol and Canadian Idol.

Additionally, she contributed her vocal talents as a backup singer for the contestants. Byrd assisted with vocals on the television series “Majors and Minors”.

Most recently, she served as vocal coach for all ten seasons of American Idol, as well as the short-lived American Juniors, and all six seasons of Canadian Idol.

In late 2006 she helped judge Military Idol, a singing competition where all contestants are members of the United States Army.

Read all the Latest News, Entertainment News, and gossip here. Follow us on FacebookInstagram and Telegram.