Former American Idol contestant Nikki McCabe has died in the United States at the age of 42.

McCabe of Texas was best known for finishing third in the first season of the 2002 show.

As a 23-year-old, he impressed the judges with his performance of the song by Janice Joplin, Stevie Knicks and Alana Miles with a provocative cover of Black Velvet.

He defeated Justin Guarini and competition winner Kelly Clarkson.

This time, he hugged his opponents and said: “What an incredible journey it was.

“Just knowing that so many people support me and what I enjoy means more than anything else in the world.”

Her husband, Craig Sadler, told Facebook that she suffered a brain aneurysm on Wednesday and was removed from life support early Sunday morning.

He said: “He loved me so much that I know thousands of you will mourn for us. He loves many of you and I know you loved him too.”

He did not say where he was, but his son Tristan Langley told the New York Times that he had died in Arlington, Texas.

Garini described her former contestant as “a fiery, funny woman who can sing rock songs hell with the same ease and command she would lovingly cut you off with her double Southern wit”. ⁣

On its Twitter page, American Idol said: “Nikki McCabe was an incredible genius and we are deeply saddened by the news of her death.

“She was part of our American Idol family and will really miss it.

“Our hearts and prayers have been revealed to his family and friends during this difficult time.”