American Idols React To The Death Of Pop's Biggest Idol
I follow many American Idols on Twitter as part of my job, to keep up with what's going on in their careers. Usually I find out good stuff. But of course, sometimes Twitter brings me news that I never, ever want to read. For instance, it is bizarrely because of a tweet from Carly Smithson that I first learned of Farrah Fawcett's passing this morning.
And then, just when the day couldn't get any sadder, I started reading the Michael Jackson death rumors on my Twitter feed as well.
And unfortunately, they turned out NOT to be rumors.
And so my day has since devolved into an obsessive-compulsive checking and rechecking of my Twitter, and in an odd way I feel like I am sharing my grief with Idols of all seasons. Some of them I've met, many of them I have not. Some of them are contestants I have voted and rooted for, others are not. But we are all united in our mourning over the loss of the greatest pop idol of all time.
Below are some of Idols' reactions (some in shock, to the point of disbelief), via Twitter, that I have seen so far. They are still pouring in and I will try to keep updating this list, which includes some Idols who in fact sang the King Of Pop's songs on Michael Jackson Night this past season, and were actually in the middle of doing their Idol Tour press day when the Jackson death news broke.
It is obvious that Michael Jackson has touched the lives of everyone who's ever appeared on--or even WATCHED--American Idol.
In fact, Idol season 8's top 13 Michael Jackson Night episode will re-air on Fox next week, as a tribute to the greatest music idol ever. In the meantime, here's how some AmIdol alums reacted to the news on Twitter:
Kris Allen - This is one of those moments in time you will never forget
Adam Lambert - RIP MJ
Jordin Sparks - Omg I'm bawling right now. Michael.... My heart hurts. :(
Chris Daughtry - Holy crap!!! Michael Jackson is dead...2 icons in one day. Very sad for his family
David Archuleta - Ah, I can't get over MJ. I know everyone's talking about it but he deserves the respect. I hope people will appreciate what he's done.
Blake Lewis - I don't think I have ever cried this much. I just played P.Y.T on repeat for about 30mins. I can't believe this. So sad. MJ's music will live on through all of us! We are all blessed to have been and be apart of it.
Danny Noriega - RIP KING OF POP MUSIC<3 MICHAEL JACKSON =( Life is something people take for granted.. realize.. u are lucky to be alive..
Anoop Desai - Michael Jackson was one of my first musical influences, and I am reeling from his loss. The man epitomized pop music
Chikezie Eze - Tender love and care... MJ, the vultures did NOT win, you will live on. R.I.P.
Kimberly Caldwell - I'm in an airport right now and it's so sad to see everybody that loved mj gathered around the tv. This is devastating. Say prayers
Chris Richardson - Timeless music doesn't come around often. When it does you remember...Fan or Not. RIP MJ
Michael Sarver - This is like a bad dream. The news of Michael Jackson has sucked the life out of the idol rehearsals. I am shocked and stunned. What a sad day in the world of music. MJ was a huge influence in my musical life as he was for many others. Unbelievabe. RIP MJ.
Brandon Rogers - Totally devastated. RIP Michael Jackson. The best performer the world has ever seen. One of my musical idols. He'll be missed. I can plot the musical journey of my life to his career. I'm still having a difficult time wrapping my head around the fact that he is gone
Carly Smithson - Ive never felt this way about a celebrity death . I feel like ive lost someone i knew . His talent was a part of all our lives . Wow
LaKisha Jones - my prayers and sympathy go out to the entire Jackson family. We have lost a true ledgend! God bless
Melinda Doolittle - I don't even have words right now...what in the world?!?!
Chris Sligh - Wow Michael Jackson is dead. Pray for his family, as cheesy as that sounds. Someone so famous for so long.
Matt Giraud - I'm sending out my prayers and thoughts to my biggest musical influence, Michael Jackson. A true inspiration. It was an honor to record Human Nature in the SAME studio he recorded it in. An amazing moment in my life.
Scott MacIntyre - My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Jackson family. Words cannot express.
Syesha Mercado - Still at UCLA Medical Center.hundreds gathered singing, dancing, holding signs & lighting candles.
Danny Gokey - Please pray for Michael Jackson!!!!
Brooke White - Just arrived in Sacramento and heard the unbelievable news about Michael Jackson, sad day......
Ramiele Malubay - I still don't really believe mjs dead. One of my major idols you will be missed MJ
Mandisa - happens in 3's: Ed McMahon, Farah Fawcett, Michael Jackson. Prayng 4 their famlies...& 4 God 2 use this 2 show us our time here is short.
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