‘American Idol’ Executive Robin Kaye And Husband Found Brutally Murdered In Home
By Kelly Coffey-Behrens on July 15, 2025 at 6:30 PM EDT

A tragic and shocking double homicide has rocked the entertainment industry after "American Idol" executive Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, were found murdered in their Encino, California, mansion.
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the couple, both 70, were discovered fatally shot in the head inside their $5 million home on Monday.
Authorities were initially called to perform a welfare check after family and neighbors hadn’t heard from the pair in several days.
LAPD Investigates Deaths Of ‘American Idol’ Exec And Husband
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When officers arrived at the couple’s six-bedroom Encino property, they reportedly spotted blood near the front entrance and were forced to break a window to enter the home, where they then made a gruesome discovery. According to law enforcement sources cited by TMZ, Robin Kaye and Thomas DeLuca were found shot in the head, each in a different room of the house.
"We didn't see or hear anything. My renter called 911 on Thursday because she saw somebody hopping the fence," neighbor Amee Faggen said, per ABC. "And I have no idea if that was related or not. They came and left, the helicopters and police came."
Police Probed Attempted Break-In Days Before The Murders

Just days prior, on Thursday, police had already been called to the residence after neighbors reported a possible break-in. Witnesses claimed they saw someone hopping a fence and expressed concern that the individual may have been armed. A police helicopter was dispatched to survey the area, but no suspect was located at the time, and officers found no signs of forced entry.
While it’s still unclear whether the two incidents are connected, authorities have launched a full investigation and are treating the case as a double homicide. Investigators are currently reviewing surveillance footage from the area.
At this time, no arrests have been made, and police say the home did not appear to be ransacked, suggesting burglary may not have been the motive.
Robin Kaye’s Impressive Career Spanned ‘Lip Sync Battle,’ NAACP Awards And More
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Kaye served as the music supervisor for "American Idol" for 15 seasons and was highly respected in the industry.
Her work earned her multiple Guild of Music Supervisors Awards, and her extensive credits include popular shows such as "Lip Sync Battle," "Hollywood Game Night," "Worn Stories," and numerous televised specials like "The NAACP Image Awards," Miss USA," Miss Universe," and "Dance Your A-- Off."
‘American Idol’ Exec Robin Kaye Pictured With Brian Wilson Weeks Before Tragic Death
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In a haunting twist of fate, one of Kaye’s final Instagram posts captured a moment with another music industry legend, just weeks before tragedy struck.
The post, which has since garnered renewed attention, shows Kaye posing alongside two individuals, including Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson. While the photo is devoid of a caption or comments, it now serves as a poignant snapshot of two iconic figures whose deaths came just weeks apart. Wilson, who passed away last month at age 82 due to respiratory arrest, was a towering figure in American music history.
The Legacy Of 'American Idol'
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Since its debut in 2002, "American Idol" has become one of the most influential talent competitions in television history.
The show has launched the careers of global superstars like Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Jennifer Hudson, and helped redefine the music industry by giving everyday people a shot at stardom. Known for its rotating panel of high-profile judges and memorable live performances, American Idol has remained a cultural touchstone through its many seasons and revivals.
Kaye played a crucial behind-the-scenes role in shaping the show’s musical identity. As the longtime music supervisor, she was instrumental in curating performances, selecting songs, and helping contestants showcase their vocal abilities to millions of viewers each week.
Her contributions to "American Idol" helped elevate the show’s reputation for discovering and developing real musical talent, cementing her legacy in the entertainment industry.
"American Idol" or anyone attached to the show has yet to release a statement.