Nikki McKibbin facts for kids

Katherine Nicole McKibbin (born September 28, 1978 – died November 1, 2020) was an American rock music singer and songwriter. She became well-known after finishing third in the first season of the TV show American Idol. Before American Idol, Nikki also appeared on another TV show called Popstars. In May 2007, she released her own rock album titled Unleashed.

Nikki McKibbin on American Idol

In 2002, Nikki McKibbin joined the very first season of American Idol. She became one of the top three finalists on the show. During her time on American Idol, Nikki was often in the bottom three contestants, but she kept going until the very end.

Nikki's Career After American Idol

After her time on American Idol, Nikki McKibbin signed with 19 Management and RCA Records. They wanted her to record a country album. However, Nikki wanted to stick to her rock music style. She felt that making a country album would not be true to herself. Because of these different ideas, no music was released at that time.

Nikki used to run a karaoke company, but she stopped to focus on her music career.

In 2004, she appeared on a holiday CD called Christmas in a Fishbowl. This CD featured several other stars from reality TV shows.

In May 2005, Nikki joined a rock band from Dallas called Downside. They performed several shows together, including a sold-out show at the Hard Rock Cafe in Dallas. Nikki left the band in September of that year.

Later in 2005, Nikki appeared on several other reality TV shows.

• She was on a "Reality TV Stars" episode of Fear Factor.
• She competed in the sports show Battle of the Network Reality Stars, where her team won.
• She also appeared in the E! Entertainment reality show Kill Reality. This show followed the making of a TV movie called The Scorned, which starred many reality TV personalities. Nikki played a singer in the movie.

Also in 2005, Nikki signed with an Australian music label called Astral Records. Her rock album was planned for release in February 2006. She started recording in December 2005, beginning with a cover of "To Be with You" by the band Mr. Big. A single with "The Lie" and "To Be with You" was released.

Nikki's first album, Unleashed, came out on May 22, 2007. For her 2007 tour, Nikki worked with the Texas heavy metal band Rivethead.

In late 2007, Nikki recorded two Christmas songs for an album called American Christmas. One was a cover of "All I Want for Christmas Is You" by Vince Vance & the Valiants. The other was an original song she wrote called "Alone with the Christmas Lights".

In 2011, Nikki formed a new band named Love Stricken Demise. In 2014, Nikki was seen with her son, Tristan, on the thirteenth season of American Idol. She supported him during his audition. Tristan made it to Hollywood but did not make it to the live shows.

Nikki also used to teach vocal and performance lessons to children in Fort Worth, Texas.

Nikki's Personal Life

Nikki McKibbin was born in Grand Prairie, Texas. She was married to Craig Sadler. She had a son named Tristen Cole Langley, who was born on December 20, 1997. Her husband, Craig, appeared with her on a TV show.

Nikki's Passing

Nikki McKibbin passed away on November 1, 2020. She had a brain aneurysm on October 28 and was taken off life support a few days later. She was the fourth finalist from American Idol to pass away.

Nikki's Music Albums

Unleashed

Nikki's first album, Unleashed, was released in 2007. It featured rock songs. A new version of the album was released in 2020.

Psychotrip

Nikki also released an album called Psychotrip.

Singles

Nikki released several single songs throughout her career, including "To Be with You," "The Lie," and "Celebrity High."

See also

In Spanish: Nikki McKibbin para niños