Nikki McKibbin death: American Idol runner-up dies, aged 42

Singer lost to Kelly Clarkson in talent show’s first ever season

Nikki McKibbon, a former contestant on American Idol, has died, aged 42.

McKibbon appeared on the US talent show's first ever season in 2002, and finished in third place behind Justin Guarini and eventual winner Kelly Clarkson.

Redeye Radio host Gary McNamara said that McKibbon died of a brain aneurysm and was on life support until Friday (30 October).

Guarini broke the news on Instagram, paying tribute to the singer. 

"[She] was a fiery, funny lady who could sing the hell out of a rock song with the same kind of ease and command she lovingly used to cut you with her twangy Southern wit,” Guarini wrote as part of his tribute.

“Even in our 20s, when we were on American Idol together, I could tell that she’d had a challenging life, and not that many people had been kind to her along the way.”

He then recalled the moment Stevie Nicks sent her flowers after she performed the Fleetwood Mac song "Gypsy" on the show.

Before American Idol, McKibbon – who lived in Texas – appeared on reality show Popstars.

She got through to the finals of American Idol after impressing judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.

After the show, she was signed to Sony Music's RCA label and released her first record, Unleashed, in 2007.

In 2014, she returned to the show accompanying her then 15-year-old son, Tristan Langley, as he auditioned for judges Harry Connick Jr, Keith Urban and Jennifer Lopez.

Langley was eliminated from the series before the live show stages.

The American Idol team paid tribute to McKibbin on Twitter, writing: "Nikki McKibbin was an incredible talent and we are deeply saddened by the news of her passing. She was part of our American Idol family and will be truly missed.  

"Our hearts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this difficult time.