C.J. Harris

2023 - 1 - 16

Post cover — Image courtesy of "Variety"

C.J. Harris Dead: 'American Idol' Contestant Was 31 (Variety)

C.J. Harris, a singer and musician that competed in the 13th season of "American Idol," died after being rushed to a hospital in Alabama. He was 31.

He performed with Darius Rucker, one of his musical influences, at the Grand Ole Opry in 2014. with a performance of the Allman Brothers’ “Soulshine.” Harris](https://variety.com/t/c-j-harris/), a singer and musician who was a prominent contender on the 13th season of Fox’s “ [American Idol](https://variety.com/t/american-idol/),” died Sunday after suffering a medical emergency and being rushed to the Walker Baptist Medical Center in Jasper, Ala.

'American Idol' alum CJ Harris dead at 31 from apparent heart attack ... (WOGX)

A family member told TMZ that the former contestant suffered an apparent heart attack Sunday night in Alabama.

The former contestant later played for audiences in American Idol's season 13 tour. Harris performed stellar versions of the songs "Too Close," "American Woman," and "Free Fallin'." [TMZ](https://www.tmz.com/2023/01/16/american-idol-contestant-cj-harris-dead-dies-singer/?adid=social-twa) reported Monday.

C.J. Harris Dead: 'American Idol' Alum Was 31 (Billboard)

C.J. Harris, a singer who competed on the 2014 season of American Idol, passed away on Sunday (Jan. 15). He was just 31 years old.

[tribute](https://www.instagram.com/stories/americanidol/3017169724455527639/) to the late singer on Monday (Jan. Just weeks ago, Harris kicked off the new year by promising new music was “coming soon” with a smiling selfie on his Eventually, the guitarist came in sixth place, being eliminated during Rock ‘n’ Roll / Country Week with dual performances of the Guess Who’s “American Woman” and Zac Brown Band’s “Whatever It Is.” Harris competed on season 13 of the singing competition, initially auditioning for judges Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. Harris, a singer who competed on the 2014 season of American Idol, died Sunday at age 31.The Jasper, Alabama, native was reportedly rushed to a local hospital after suffering a medical emergency, Harris was an incredible talent, and the news of his passing deeply saddens us.

C.J. Harris, former "American Idol" contestant, dead at 31 (CBS News)

The Alabama native became known for his rendition of "Soulshine," by The Allman Brothers Band, which Keith Urban praised him for.

[according to Entertainment Tonight.](https://www.etonline.com/cj-harris-former-american-idol-contestant-dead-at-31-197457) He also toured with fellow "American Idol" contestants. She would sing to me over the phone and tears would just flow out of my eyes," he said. "I'm completely shocked. I know that's weird, but that's what I do." "When I was a little older, my granddad gave me a guitar. Curtis "C.J."

'American Idol' singer C.J. Harris dead at 31 (NBC News)

C.J. Harris, the former American Idol contestant whose soulful voice wowed the judges and whose sweet demeanor won him legions of fans, has died of an ...

And on New Years Day, Harris posted on "And I mean that in the deepest way… That's why it's so believable and real." It wasn't until 2014 that Harris made his musical mark when he placed sixth in American Idol's 13th season. "She would sing to me over the phone and tears would just flow out of my eyes." "He said I didn't need to buy a whole new set of strings.

Former American Idol contestant C.J. Harris dies at Walker County ... (al.com)

Walker County Coroner Joey Vick said Harris, 31, was taken to Walker Baptist Medical Center in medical distress. CPR was performed on the former singer, ...

Also, Harris displayed his soul chops with a rendition of Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home to Me.” “You sing because you have to sing, not because you want to sing,” Keith Urban once told Harris. CPR was performed on the former singer, but he was pronounced dead a short time later.