American Idol star dead – CJ Harris dies age 31 from heart attack

American Idol's CJ Harris has died age 31.

The singer shot to fame of the talent show in 2014, and went on to become one of the top six contestants that year.

Almost a decade on from his time on programme, CJ has died from an apparent heart attack, TMZ reports.

The incident occurred on Sunday evening, 15 January, in Jasper, Alabama. CJ was rushed to hospital but was reportedly pronounced dead upon arrival.

CJ was best known for his performances of hit tracks Too Close, American Woman, and Free Fallin'.

American Idol fans have since taken to social media to pay their respects. One person wrote: "Prayers for CJ Harris, another young soul has gone."

"So many young adults are dying from heart related illnesses here lately. RIP CJ Harris," added another.

CJ dazzled season 13 judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez and Harry Connick Jr. with his first audition, where he performed a cover of Soulshine by the Allman Brothers Band.

While Jenny From The Block hitmaker J.Lo said she "really liked" the performance, Harry said: "There’s something about the entirety of what you are, it’s really a vibe that you have that was very pleasant."

"‘You sing because you have to sing, not because you want to sing," added Keith. "And I mean that in the deepest way. And that’s why it’s so believable and real. I just believed it and I felt it."

Reflecting on his decision to go on American Idol, CJ told The Hollywood Reporter at the time: "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.'"

CJ had auditioned on The Voice and The X Factor before finding success on American Idol.

After the show, CJ performed at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville with American singer Darius Rucker.

CJ's debut single didn't come out until five years after his American Idol stint, however, with the late 31 year old going on to release his track In Love in 2019.

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