American Idol Contestant CJ Harris Dies At 31

He died at the age of 31 yesterday, Sunday, January 15.

The artist seemed to suffer a heart attack and was taken by ambulance to the Walker Baptist Medical Center in his hometown of Jasper, Alabama.

Shortly after arriving in the emergency room the crooner – whose full name is Curtis ‘CJ’ Harris – was pronounced dead, according to a report from TMZ today.

The singer performed on the reality TV show in 2014, making it to the top six. He subsequently struck up a friendship with Darius Rucker, who became his mentor.

A family member spoke to the site sharing the family was in shock over his passing.

His road to Idol was bumpy.

Harris first auditioned for The X-Factor and The Voice, but was not successful. That is when he turned his attention to American Idol where he made a big impression during the 13th season which took place in 2014.

The judges at the time were Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr and Keith Urban.

He auditioned first in Tuscaloosa then in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Harris impressed judges with his rendition of the Allman Brothers Band’s classic hit tune Soulshine.

Judge Urban told CJ, ‘You sing ’cause you have to sing, not ’cause you want to sing. And, I mean that in the deepest way. And, that’s why it’s so believable and real.’