16 January 2023 , 15:02
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American Idol star CJ Harris has died at the age of 31 after suffering a reported heart attack, his family have confirmed.
The star was rushed to a local hospital on Sunday night but did not survive, a family member told TMZ.
The talented singer shot to fame after auditioning for FOX's American Idol in 2014 where he wowed the judges with a rousing rendition of The Allman Brothers Band's song Soulshine.
Judge Keith Urban told the star: "You sing because you have to sing, not 'cause you want to sing. And I mean that in the deepest way. And that's why it's so believable and real."
Fellow judge Jennifer Lopez told CJ she 'really liked' his performance, while Harry Connick Jr said: "There’s something about the entirety of what you are, it’s really a vibe that you have that was very pleasant."
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CJ auditioned for American Idol in 2014 (FOX Image Collection via Getty Images)The singer was chosen by the panel as a 'wildcard' in the semi-finals of the show and made it to the top six before getting eliminated.
In 2014, CJ told the Hollywood Reporter he hadn't planned on auditioning for the show, which has launched the careers of stars including Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson.
CJ initially tried out for the Voice and the X-Factor, but after being turned down, he recalled: "I saw they [Idol] were doing the bus tour and they were going to be 30 minutes down the road from me. I said, 'You know what? I'm going to give it another chance.
He made it to the top six of the show (FOX Image Collection via Getty Images)"'I've gotten so much better, my voice has matured and my playing has gotten so much better. I'm 23, before you know it I'll be 33 and I want to give it another chance,'".
After Idol, CJ found success performing at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville with American singer Darius Rucker, who became his mentor.
He auditioned for the show on a whim (FOX Image Collection via Getty Images)
After Idol, CJ found success performing in Nashville (WireImage)Following news of the star's tragic passing, fans have flocked to Twitter paying tribute to the talented singer.
One wrote: "Gone too soon" while another said: "Such a talent. RIP CJ."
A third posted: "So sad" as a fourth tweeted: "I can't even handle this anymore" followed by a crying emoji.