Former American Idol contestant CJ Harris died of an apparent heart attack at his home in Jasper, Alabama on Sunday. He was 31.
He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to TMZ.
Harris found fame by placing 6th on the music competition show. His debut single, “In Love”, was released in 2019.
Harris first auditioned for The X-Factor and The Voice, before turning his attention to American Idol where he competed during season 13 in 2014. Harris was a part of the American Idol season 13 tour.
Harris performed well, making it to the top six before departing.
In 2014, Harris told The Hollywood Reporter he auditioned for American Idol on a whim. “I saw they 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. 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.'”
Harris took an interest in music as a boy. He was 8 when his grandmother gave him a broken guitar that had only three strings. He also sang in the church choir and learned how to play the piano.
He leaves behind 2 minor children, a girl and a boy.
