American Idol’s Rickey Smith Killed in Car Crash

rickeysmith-photo

Horrible news. American Idol season 2 alum Rickey Smith was killed in a car crash Thursday night. The man responsible for the accident survived, was under the influence of alcohol, and booked on a DUI. Via TMZ

Former “American Idol” finalist Rickey Smith was killed Thursday night in a multi-car highway wreck in Oklahoma.

Smith was on I-240 just outside Oklahoma City when, according to reports, another man driving the wrong way on the interstate slammed head-on into Smith’s vehicle. Cops say the other driver was hospitalized and booked for DUI.

Smith competed on the second season of ‘Idol,’ and finished in eighth place. Ruben Studdard took the title that year.

Rickey was 36.

Here is a news report from News9. WARNING: Footage of the crashed cars are included in the report

News9.com – Oklahoma City, OK – News, Weather, Video and Sports |

Rickey only got to 8th place in the competition, nevertheless, the lovable singer had a devoted fanbase. Who could forget his catch phrase “Hercules, Hercules.” Rest in Peace, Rickey.

This was the first video that came up when I did a youtube search, “I’ve Done Enough Dyin” today by Larry Gatlin on Country Rock Night for Top 10 night.

Rickey is eliminated

Rickey’s fellow season two alum, Clay Aiken, tweets condolences.

Season 6 Idol Melinda Doolittle performed some post-Idol gigs with Rickey. She shares her thoughts on Instagram.

From season 2 winner Ruben Studdard

American Idol producer Nigel Lythgoe

About mj santilli 35085 Articles
Founder and editor of mjsbigblog.com, home of the awesomest fan community on the net. I love cheesy singing shows of all kinds, whether reality or scripted. I adore American Idol, but also love The Voice, Glee, X Factor and more!