C.J. Harris

Fans 'In SHOCK' At Sudden Passing Of 31-Year-Old 'American Idol' Alum C.J. Harris

Home / News / Fans 'In SHOCK' At Sudden Passing Of 31-Year-Old 'American Idol' Alum C.J. Harris

By Favour Adegoke on January 17, 2023 at 3:30 PM EST

"American Idol" alum C.J. Harris has died after being rushed to the hospital for undisclosed reasons.

Per reports, his death was confirmed by a Walker County Coroner's Office representative. At the moment, the office hasn't provided any more information on the cause of death, although it has been revealed that no foul play was evident.

Harris' came into the spotlight following his appearance on the "American Idol" season 13. He ultimately finished the season in sixth position. In an interview in 2014, he credited his mother and uncle as the inspiration behind his pursuit of music.

Read below for more details.

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C.J. Harris' Cause Of Death Is Still Unclear

C.J. Harris
Instagram

According to Variety, Harris died Sunday after a medical emergency that led to him being hospitalized at the Walker Baptist Medical Center in Jasper, Ala.

The singer, who was born on January 28, 1991, passed on nearly two weeks before he would have celebrated his 32nd birthday. Per reports, his demise was confirmed by a representative for the Walker County Coroner's Office.

No further details regarding the cause of death have been shared by the office, although it has been claimed that no foul play was involved. Burial arrangements have yet to be revealed by the family, who are currently mourning the "American Idol" alum's death.

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Earlier in the month, Harris shared an image of himself on Facebook with a caption that revealed he planned on releasing new music for his fans. In the post, he wore an alluring smile and appeared to be in good health, which has left many fans in shock about his death.

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Fans React To The Singer's Death

Unsurprisingly, fans took to the post to mourn his death after the news broke on social media.

One close fan said, "I'm in shock. Doesn't even seem real. Your heart and soul for music was a force to reckon with. I just can't seem to shake this. You're the best, Rip in heaven Cj .gone too soon."

Another follower wrote, "CJ, you left this world way way too soon You were just beginning. Nobody knows why the good leave us too soon. Now you are singing with the angels. Prayers for all your family and friends. Go Rest High On That Mountain."

One more follower penned, "I'm so sorry to your family, friends and all of us you touched with your precious gift. God called you home, sweet man."

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C.J. Harris' Stint On 'The American Idol'

C.J. Harris
Instagram

Harris' rise to fame came during his appearance on the "American Idol" season 13. He had previously auditioned for Fox's series in 2010 alongside other reality singing competitions but failed to impress the judges.

However, Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, and Harry Connick Jr., the judges on the "American Idol" season 13, were wowed by his performance of the Allman Brothers' "Soulshine." He was then selected to scale through the initial elimination stages

Harris would continue to gain ground in the subsequent episodes but would ultimately finish the season in sixth place overall.

After his stint on "American Idol," Harris joined the finalists from the competition on the series' subsequent live tour. He performed at the Foothills Festival the same year, wowing audiences from his hometown Jasper.

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C.J. Harris' Family Inspired His Music

Back in 2014, the father of two opened up about the inspiration behind his pursuit of a music career, crediting two key family members.

At the time, he shared that his uncle had given him a guitar that "had three strings on it." Despite its deplorable state, Harris practiced with and "would tune it in a way that when I strummed it, it sounded like it's in a key of whatever."

He said, per The Hollywood Reporter, "I find different sounds. I just love music, so I really try to find a sound that I really like and just play it. I know that's weird, but that's what I do."

The singer also recalled an instance of his mother singing to him when he made a visit to her while she was in prison.

Harris added, "I was six years old, and my mom was in prison. She would sing to me over the phone, and tears would just flow out of my eyes.

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