Sadly, the American Idol community learned that longtime music supervisor Robin Kaye, who joined the show in the early 2000s, passed away after shot in her home alongside her husband Thomas DeLuca. While authorities continue to investigate the murder, which led them to arrest one suspect, former American Idol winners and contestants looked past the details and shared their love, support, and fond memories of getting the chance to work with Kaye on the hit show.
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Murdered in their $4.5 million Encino Home on Monday, July 14th, police discovered both Kaye and DeLuca in two separate rooms with gunshot wounds to their heads. Working quickly to solve exactly what happened, the Los Angeles Police Department announced they had apprehended 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian.
As the family mourns the loss of Kaye, numerous American Idol alums took a moment to remember her legacy. Kris Allen, who won season 8, wrote, “Robin was such a huge part of my success on the show. She’s the reason I was able to perform ‘Falling Slowly’ and ‘Heartless.’ She fought for getting what song I would feel comfortable singing that week cleared. But more than that she was always so understanding and kind. Going through that show was stressful and the people that were understanding and kind behind the scenes made it all OK. Robin was at the top of that list. And it was the same every time I saw her afterward. My heart goes out to her and her husbands’ families.”
[RELATED: American Idol’ Issues Statement Over Double Homicide, Suspect Arrested in Fatal Shooting]
‘American Idol’ Winner Nick Fradiani Recounts How Robin Kaye Treated Him Like A Son
Another winner of American Idol, who went on to star in A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, Nick Fradiani, also recalled how he immediately found a connection with Kaye. “I met many amazing people during my time on American Idol, but Robin always stood out as someone I immediately bonded with. She treated me like a son almost immediately. She was caring and understanding of the stresses of the show, especially with choosing a song.” He continued, “She made each conversation with me feel important. I’m so lucky to have been able to return to Idol last year to promote the Broadway Show A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical.”
Showing just how much the contestants meant to Kaye, Fradiani added, “Robin was the first person to text me to tell me how happy she was to have me back, and she went right to work to figure out what songs I would be doing. She will be missed. This is truly an unthinkable tragedy.”
With more and more tributes shared, contestant Pia Toscano revealed how important Kaye was to the entire production. “Although we haven’t been in touch in recent years, I remember Robin as being incredibly kind and supportive during my time on Idol. She worked tirelessly to help us get our songs cleared and was such an essential part of the show behind the scenes. Her presence and dedication will be deeply missed.”
As American Idol and its millions of fans remember Kaye, her impact on the show and its contestants will forever remain a pillar of the show.
A spokesperson for the show told PEOPLE, “Robin has been a cornerstone of the Idol family since 2009 and was truly loved and respected by all who came in contact with her,” the statement continued. “Robin will remain in our hearts forever and we share our deepest sympathy with her family and friends during this difficult time.”
(Photo by Eric McCandless/Disney via Getty Images)
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