American Idol star Debra Byrd dies as devastated Jennifer Hudson leads tributes

07 March 2024 , 07:03

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Debra Byrd has died at 72

Singer and professional music coach Debra Byrd has died at the age of 72.

Debra was well known for her role as a vocal coach on the hit stateside TV show, American Idol. She also featured on The Voice, Canadian Idol and Military Idol during her career on the small screen. Debra died on Tuesday in Los Angeles, but no cause of death has yet been confirmed.

Among those she taught were Grammy winners, recording artists, actors and musicians. She had worked closely with the likes of Barry Manilow, Bob Dylan, Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson.

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Debra Byrd has died at the age of 72 (FilmMagic)

She was a vocal coach on American Idol (Getty Images)

The latter paid tribute to the star in a heartbreaking post on X. She wrote: "'Heartbroken over the passing of Debra Byrd, the vocal coach on American Idol. 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. Rest in peace, Debra."

Jennifer Hudson paid tribute to Debra (Getty Images)

The vocal coach's long-time friend, Barry Manilow also shared a tribute online, saying: "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. She was one of the most wonderful friends I’ve ever had. I will miss you forever, my love."

As well as her roles on the hit reality shows, NBC previously hired Debra to oversee vocal production for their 2019 Super Bowl tribute to Prince, directed by Spike Lee.

A year earlier, she sang in the choice at the 2018 Oscars, marking her second time at the awards following her vocal coach role at the 2014 ceremony.

Away from the world of showbiz, Debra was chair of the vocal department at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles. She also served as an artist in residence at the prestigious Berklee College of Music.

Jamie Roberts