Jennifer Hudson is mourning the death of American Idol voice coach Debra Byrd at the age of 72. Byrd passed away in Los Angeles on Tuesday, with the cause of death undisclosed.
Debra Byrd was a prominent voice coach who worked on American Idol for ten seasons and also lent her expertise to shows like The Voice, Canadian Idol, Military Idol, as well as Majors and Minors. She played a pivotal role in coaching renowned singers such as Kelly Clarkson and Barry Manilow. Byrd notably recommended Jennifer Hudson for the role of Effie White in the 2006 film Dreamgirls.
In an Instagram post, Hudson expressed her grief over Byrd's passing, highlighting the support and encouragement Byrd provided to contestants on American Idol. Hudson emphasized the valuable lessons she learned from Byrd and acknowledged her lasting impact on numerous artists throughout her career.
Byrd's influence extended beyond her coaching roles, as evidenced by the heartfelt tributes from Hudson and Manilow. Hudson shared a throwback video of her interactions with Byrd on American Idol, showcasing Byrd's dedication to refining her students' skills. Manilow, in a poignant tribute, reminisced about his deep friendship with Byrd and expressed profound sadness over her loss.
The music industry has lost a talented and beloved figure in Debra Byrd. Her legacy lives on through the countless artists she mentored and inspired. Rest in peace, Debra Byrd.
