The sudden death of CJ Harris has left fans and loved ones in shock.
American Idol contestant CJ Harris died on Sunday at the age of 31.
The artist, who appeared to have suffered a heart attack, was evacuated by ambulance from his hometown of Jasper, Alabama, to Walker Baptist Medical Center.
The singer, whose real name is Curtis “CJ” Harris, was pronounced dead shortly after entering an emergency hospital, TMZ reported Monday.
In 2014, the singer appeared in a reality television program and advanced to the top six. He then befriended Darius Rucker, who served as his mentor.
A family member expressed their shock at his passing in a statement on the website.
His rise to idols was rocky.
Harris initially auditioned for The Voice and The X-Factor but was unsuccessful. That’s when he decided to focus on American Idol, where he made a significant impact during the show’s 13th season in 2014.
Keith Urban, Harry Connick Jr., and Jennifer Lopez served as judges at the time.
He auditioned in Salt Lake City, Utah, followed by one in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
Harris won over the judges with his rendition of Soulshine, the classic Allman Brothers Band hit.
“You sing because you have to sing, not because you want to sing,” said Justice Urban CJ. And believe me, I mean it. And that’s why it feels so authentic.
Then CJ sang “Free Fallin,” “American Woman” and “Too Close.”
He moved up to sixth place.
In 2014, he admitted to The Hollywood Reporter that he decided to try out for American Idol on a whim. “I saw they were taking the bus and they were going to be 30 minutes down the road from me,” he said.
He then continued, “I said, ‘You know what? I’ll try again. My musicianship and singing have improved and overall I have improved so much. I want to try again because I’m 23 and I’ll be 33 before you know it,” he said.
After moving to Nashville, he continued his success, appearing alongside Darius Rucker at the Grand Ole Opry.
He also participated in the 13th season of the American Idol tour.
Harris has previously revealed his humble upbringing.
He started learning to play the broken guitar that his grandfather gave him when he was eight years old. Even though it only had three strings, it was enough to get him to the music. He also took up the piano and sang in the church choir.
John Mayer, Keith Urban, and John Legend were some of his musical influences.
He released an album called Small Town Boy as a self-employed musician before appearing on American Idol.
Harris’ Idol co-star Jessica Meuse posted a touching tribute to him.
“The world is definitely a darker and eerily quieter place without you,” she wrote. “Your talent and smile will be missed.
I realize there are many things I will never understand, and you’re leaving us so suddenly is one of them. I will miss your occasional phone calls asking for life advice and discussions about the music industry.
Harris’ family and friends are still coming to terms with his sudden death. They are grateful for the outpouring of love and support from fans and fellow musicians. Harris’ legacy will live on through his music, which touched the hearts of so many. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.