American Idol coach Debra Byrd dies aged 72 as Jennifer Hudson leads tributes

Debra Byrd, a popular vocal coach from American Idol , has passed away at 72.

The talented teacher was well known for her roles on shows such as American Idol, The Voice , and Canadian Idol. Debra died on Tuesday in Los Angeles, but no cause of death has yet been given.

She taught many famous singers, including Barry Manilow, Bob Dylan, Kelly Clarkson , and Jennifer Hudson, with several already paying emotional tributes following the sad news.

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Jennifer Hudson took to X to share her devastation, writing: "Heartbroken over the passing of Debra Byrd, the vocal coach on American Idol. She encouraged and supported us from the very beginning!

"I am so grateful for everything she taught us. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy lives on through the music of countless artists she influenced during her lifetime. Rest in peace, Debra."

Barry Manilow, who was Debra's good friend, also left a touching tribute: "This is one of the saddest days of my life. I just can't wrap my mind around the fact that Debra is no longer with me. She was one of the most wonderful friends I've ever had. I will miss you forever, my love."

American Idol alum Clay Aiken, 45, also praised her for her key skills as a leader of young singers. His statement read: "I don't think it would be an exaggeration to say that no one was a better mentor, coach, teacher, or champion to us Idol contestants than Byrd was. No one spent more time with us.

'I'll never forget her drilling into us how we needed to look right into the camera and connect with the audience at home. She was a light in so many lives. I am so lucky that I got to call her a friend."

In addition to her roles on popular reality shows, Debra was hired by NBC to supervise the vocal production for their 2019 Super Bowl tribute to Prince, which was directed by Spike Lee.

The year before, she had performed in the choir at the 2018 Oscars, marking her second appearance at the awards after serving as a vocal coach at the 2014 ceremony.

When she wasn't working in showbiz, Debra was the chair of the vocal department at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles. She also worked as an artist in residence at the prestigious Berklee College of Music.