Jennifer Hudson, Barry Manilow ‘Heartbroken’ Over Death of ‘American Idol’ Vocal Coach Debra Byrd

The music community is mourning the death of influential figure Debra Byrd, who died on March 5 at the age of 72. Throughout her decades-long career, the singer performed alongside Barry Manilow and Bob Dylan before helping to shape generational talents as a vocal coach on American Idol, including Kelly Clarkson, Fantasia, and Jennifer Hudson.

“She encouraged and supported us from the very beginning,” Hudson wrote on Instagram. “I am so grateful for everything she taught us. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy lives on through the music of countless artists she influenced during her lifetime. Rest in peace, Debra.”

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Byrd’s time with American Idol spanned ten seasons, but she also coached contestants on The Voice and six seasons of Canadian Idol. It was during her time at American Idol that she crossed paths with Clay Aiken, who earned second place in the competition’s Season Two in 2003.

“I don’t think it would be an exaggeration to say that no one was a better mentor, coach, teacher, or champion to us Idol contestants than Byrd was,” Aiken shared via Deadline. “No one spent more time with us. I’ll never forget her drilling into us how we needed to look right into the camera and connect with the audience at home. She was a light in so many lives. I am so lucky that I got to call her a friend.”

Trenyce, who was also featured on the second season of Idol, reflected on her experience with Byrd in an Instagram post, writing: “After the show was over, you kept in touch, …you didn’t have to, but it spoke volumes to just how much you were invested in us becoming greater, beyond “seasons” and “viewership.”

Trenyce added: I will just say thank you for your words of wisdom and truth. Thank you for giving EVERYTHING you had to us in the name of music! Thank you for caring as deeply as you did as patiently as you did. The way you stood up for me as a black girl on that show I will NEVER forget. Thank you for validating my feelings and sharing your similar journey with me.”

Byrd’s friendship was similarly championed in a tribute from Manilow, whom she first began performing with in the Seventies. “This is one of the saddest days of my life,” the musician shared via X (formerly Twitter). “I just can’t wrap my mind around the fact that Debra is no longer with me. She was one of the most wonderful friends I’ve ever had. I will miss you forever, my love.”

While much of Byrd’s career has been rooted in her work behind the scenes — whether as coach or in her role overseeing vocal production for the Spike Lee-directed Super Bowl tribute to Prince in 2019 — she earned an entry on the Billboard Hot 100 with Manilow on “Street Singin'” in 1976. She also performed on the road, joining the national touring company of Broadway’s Bring In ‘Da Noise, Bring In ‘Da Funk.

“Debra had this indelible spirit about her that radiated any room she occupied. Her passion for life, music and helping others traveled far beyond her own experiences in the business, and into the lives of so many young aspiring singers & hopefuls like me,” former American Idol contestant Elliott Yamin wrote on Instagram. “She was our first vocal coach on the show and I never forgot the positive lasting impression she made on me. Always encouraging and supportive well after our season ended, and all throughout my career! Rest easy Debra Byrd. You are loved!”

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