Doug Kiker, singing garbage man who wowed 'America Idol' judges, dies at 32

Doug Kiker, the garbage collector turned musician who moved Katy Perry to tears on "American Idol," has died, his family announced.

Doug Kiker, the garbage collector turned musician who moved Katy Perry to tears on "American Idol," has died, his family announced. He was 32.

Kiker's sister, Angela Evans, broke the news in an emotional Facebook post on Wednesday.

"It is with a heavy heart that we have to announce the passing of my brother Douglas Kiker he was sooo loved and will be missed by so many!," she said. "Your singing with the Angel’s now Bubba Please pray for our family as we go threw this very difficult time."

The Alabama native rose to fame after he impressed “American Idol” judges with his rendition of Rascal Flatts’ “God Bless This Broken Road” in 2020. His audition marked the first moment he ever sang in front of an audience.

His performance was unanimously praised by judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry, who welled up with tears.