Former “American Idol” contestant C.J. Harris reportedly died of a heart attack Sunday aged 31.
A family member told TMZ that Harris died of an apparent heart attack in Jasper, Alabama. Emergency responders were called to Harris’ location and transported the singer to hospital, but he was unable to be revived, TMZ reported.
Harris was part of the 2014 season of the show, and blew away judges with his audition in Salt Lake City, Utah, TMZ noted. He sang a cover of the Allman Brothers Band hit “Soulshine.” He made it all the way through to the top six before he was ultimately eliminated.
Harris is best remembered for the beautiful impact he had on Judge Keith Urban, who told him that “You sing ’cause you have to sing, not ’cause you want to sing. And, I mean that in the deepest way. And, that’s why it’s so believable and real.” (RELATED: College Linebacker Luke Knox, Brother Of NFL Player Dawson Knox, Dead At 22)
He would later go on to take part in the show’s season 13 tour. TMZ shared a series of photographs remembering the late singer, all of which show him either in the throes of a performance, or grinning from ear-to-ear. Watch Harris’ “Road to Hollywood” below, showing the beautiful evolution of this very young singer. RIP.