7 Tragic Deaths Of America's Got Talent Contestants: The Latest Updates On Emily Gold And Kabir Singh

The stage of America's Got Talent (AGT) is a place of dreams, but off-camera, the lives of some contestants have been tragically cut short, leaving a profound sense of loss in the entertainment world. As of December 2025, the community continues to mourn the passing of several beloved performers, with the most recent and heartbreaking news centering on a young dancer from Season 19 and a popular comedian.

The stories of these contestants—from Golden Buzzer recipients to AGT winners—serve as a somber reminder of the fragility of life, even for those who achieve their dreams on the world's biggest talent stage. This article provides the latest, most accurate details on the lives and untimely deaths of the AGT family members we have lost.

A Complete Profile: America's Got Talent Contestants Who Have Passed Away (2008–2024)

The following list details the most notable contestants from various seasons of America's Got Talent who have tragically passed away, with a focus on the most recent, heartbreaking losses from the 2024 season.

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• Emily Gold (17)
  • Talent: Dancer/Cheerleader (part of the Los Osos High School Dance Team).
  • Season/Year: Season 19 (2024).
  • Circumstance of Death: Tragically died by suicide in September 2024, just weeks after her team's performance aired and received a standing ovation from the judges. The news sent shockwaves through the AGT community due to her young age and the timing of her passing so close to her moment of fame.
• Kabir "Kabeezy" Singh (39)
  • Talent: Comedian.
  • Season/Year: Season 16 (2021) Semifinalist.
  • Circumstance of Death: Passed away in December 2024 at his home in the Bay Area. While preliminary reports suggested the cause was natural, the official cause of death was not immediately released. Singh was known for his high-energy comedy and had experienced various health issues in the past.
• Nightbirde (Jane Marczewski) (31)
  • Talent: Singer-Songwriter.
  • Season/Year: Season 16 (2021) Golden Buzzer Recipient.
  • Circumstance of Death: Died in February 2022 after a courageous four-year battle with breast cancer. Her audition, featuring the original song "It's OK," became one of the most emotional and viral moments in the show's history. She was forced to withdraw from the competition due to her declining health.
• Neal E. Boyd (42)
  • Talent: Opera Singer.
  • Season/Year: Season 3 (2008) Winner.
  • Circumstance of Death: Passed away in June 2018. The coroner ruled the cause of death as heart and kidney failure, compounded by liver disease. Boyd was the first opera singer to win the competition and had a successful career following his victory.
• Skilyr Hicks (23)
  • Talent: Singer-Songwriter.
  • Season/Year: Season 8 (2013).
  • Circumstance of Death: Died in December 2021. Authorities suspected a drug overdose, though her mother noted that Skilyr had struggled with mental health and substance abuse issues. She was a promising young artist at the time of her passing.
• Dr. Brandon Rogers (29)
  • Talent: Singer/Doctor.
  • Season/Year: Season 12 (2017).
  • Circumstance of Death: Died in a tragic car accident in June 2017, shortly before his audition was scheduled to air. His family allowed the episode to be broadcast as a tribute to his talent and passion.
• Perry Kurtz (73)
  • Talent: Comedian/Rapper (known for his "ex-male stripper" rap song).
  • Season/Year: Season 8 (2013).
  • Circumstance of Death: Died in a hit-and-run accident in 2024. Kurtz was a veteran comedian who brought a unique, memorable act to the AGT stage.

The Impact of Sudden Loss on the AGT Community

The passing of a contestant, whether a winner or an audition-round hopeful, always sends a ripple of sadness through the America's Got Talent family. The show’s global reach means that millions of viewers have connected with these individuals, making their loss feel deeply personal to fans worldwide.

The tragic death of Emily Gold in September 2024, a 17-year-old high school dancer, highlighted the immense pressure and vulnerability that young performers can face. Her team, the Los Osos High School Dance Team, had just achieved a dream moment on national television, making her subsequent passing a stark and devastating contrast to her on-screen joy. Her story sparked renewed conversations about mental health resources for contestants in high-pressure reality TV environments, a critical issue for the industry.

Similarly, the death of comedian Kabir Singh in late 2024 was a fresh wound for the community. Singh was a well-loved figure in the stand-up world, and his energetic presence on Season 16 was a highlight for many viewers. The suddenness of his passing at a relatively young age of 39 served as a reminder of how quickly life can change.

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Remembering the Golden Buzzer: Nightbirde's Enduring Legacy

Perhaps no contestant’s story has resonated more profoundly than that of Jane Marczewski, known by her stage name, Nightbirde. Her appearance on Season 16 in 2021 was an instant classic. She captivated the judges, especially Simon Cowell, with her original song "It's OK" and her astonishingly positive outlook while battling terminal cancer.

Nightbirde's message of hope—"You can't wait until life isn't hard anymore before you decide to be happy"—became an anthem for resilience across the globe. Although she had to withdraw from the competition, her legacy extends far beyond the AGT stage. Her posthumous album release and the continued sharing of her quotes keep her spirit alive, making her one of the most unforgettable and inspiring figures in the show’s history.

The tributes paid to Nightbirde upon her death in February 2022 were universal, underscoring the deep connection she forged with both the judges and the audience. She is a powerful symbol of the extraordinary talent and human spirit that the AGT stage often showcases.

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Tragic Accidents and Unfulfilled Potential

The list of AGT contestants who have passed away also includes stories of tragic accidents and lives cut short just as careers were beginning to blossom.

Dr. Brandon Rogers, a talented singer and practicing physician, was just 29 when he died in a car crash in 2017. His audition was so powerful that producers and his family agreed to air it as a tribute, allowing the world to witness the incredible potential that was lost. His death highlighted the intersection of his medical career and his passion for music, showcasing a truly multifaceted talent.

Similarly, the death of Season 8 singer-songwriter Skilyr Hicks at age 23 was a devastating loss of young potential. The circumstances surrounding her passing in 2021, linked to mental health and substance abuse struggles, brought attention to the often-unseen battles that young artists face in the pursuit of fame.

Even veteran performers like Perry Kurtz, who brought years of experience and a unique comedic rap style to the stage, met a tragic end in a hit-and-run accident. These stories collectively paint a picture of the unpredictable nature of life, reminding viewers that the bright lights of the stage can sometimes mask deeper, more fragile realities.

The America's Got Talent community, including the producers, judges, and fellow contestants, consistently honors the memory of these stars, ensuring that their auditions, performances, and legacies continue to inspire new generations of hopefuls.