Nikki McKibbin

Katherine Nicole McKibbin (September 28, 1978 – November 1, 2020) was an American rock music singer-songwriter who finished third in the debut season of the reality television series American Idol. Before American Idol, McKibbin appeared in the first season of Popstars. In May 2007, she released a rock album called Unleashed. American Idol In 2002, McKibbin appeared on the first season of American Idol, placing third. McKibbin was in the bottom three every week except one, a total of six times (including elimination). Post-Idol career Immediately following her stint on American Idol, McKibbin signed with 19 Management and RCA Records. They urged her to record a country album, but she was determined to stay true to her rock roots; she rejected the idea, saying she felt she would be “selling out.” The creative differences resulted in no releasable recordings being produced. McKibbin ran Angelfire Productions, a karaoke company, but after Idol, “got out of the karaoke business” to focus on her music career. In 2004, she appeared on the holiday CD Christmas in a Fishbowl with several other reality stars for Fishbowl.com. In May 2005, McKibbin joined Dallas rock band Downside. They did