Debra Byrd arrives at American Idol Season 10.Photo:Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic
Gregg DeGuire/FilmMagic
Jennifer Hudsonis mourning the death ofAmerican Idolvoice coach Debra Byrd at the age of 72.
Deadlinereported that Byrd died in Los Angeles on Tuesday, with no cause of death or location given.
The voice coach worked onAmerican Idolfor ten seasons and also served as a coach on shows such asThe Voice,Canadian Idol,Military Idol, as well asMajors and Minors.
She also helped coach singers includingKelly ClarksonandBarry Manilowalongside Hudson, whom she recommended for the role of Effie White in the 2006 filmDreamgirls,according to U.K. newspaperThe Independent.
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Simon Cowell (L) and Debra Byrd (R).Michel Boutefeu/Getty Images
Michel Boutefeu/Getty Images
“Heartbroken over the passing of Debra Byrd, the vocal coach on American Idol,” Hudson, 42, wrote in anInstagrampost dedicated to Byrd on Wednesday. “She encouraged and supported us from the very beginning!”
“I am so grateful for everything she taught us,” the singer added. “ 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.”
Hudson’s also included a headshot photo of the Byrd alongside a throwback video of the pair onAmerican Idol, with Byrd telling Hudson that she “had to get rid of the gospel jaw.”
“Your homework is to stand in that mirror, I want you to physically hold your jaw,” Byrd said in the clip.
Debra Byrd at American Idol Live in March 2003.Michel Boutefeu/Getty Images
“This is one of the saddest days of my life,” the singer wrote. “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. -Barry Manilow,” he concluded.
source: people.com
