“American Idol” Stars Shocked By Robin Kaye’s Tragic Death
“American Idol” stars such as Caleb Johnson and Casey Abrams are remembering the show’s longtime music supervisor Robin Kaye. Kaye and her husband Thomas Deluca were found shot to death in their home on July 14th. (Photo Credits: Caleb Johnson / Instagram & Casey Abrams / Instagram)
Robin Kaye And Her Husband, Thomas Deluca, Were Fatally Shot In Their Encino Home
The American Idol community finds itself mourning its longtime music supervisor, Robin Kaye, following her tragic death.
Warning: the following article contains details about a violent crime that some readers may find disturbing.
According to Kaye’s IMDB page, she served as the music supervisor on 288 episodes of American Idol. In addition to Idol, Kaye worked on Lip Sync Battle, Hollywood Game Night, The Dance Scene, and Your Chance to Dance. She also served as the music supervisor for the Miss USA and Miss Universe pageants.
Deluca worked as a musician and songwriter. Famous artists such as Meredith Brooks and Kid Rock recorded his work.
Kaye and Deluca, both 70, were found deceased in their Encino, California home on Monday (July 14).
The Los Angeles Police Department told PEOPLE that “a concerned individual reported they hadn’t heard from the pair.” Authorities conducted a welfare check at their home, leading to the discovery of Kaye and Deluca’s bodies.
According to police sources cited by PEOPLE, authorities found Kaye in the pantry and Deluca in the bathroom. Reports indicate they both suffered gunshot wounds to the head. The Los Angeles Fire Department pronounced the pair dead at the scene.
Police eventually arrested 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian in relation to the crime. While authorities have not yet determined if he shared a connection to Kaye and Deluca, they do have their suspicions about the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
“The victims returned home while the suspect had gained entry into the residence, and a confrontation ensued, which resulted in the suspect taking their lives,” authorities said in a statement cited by PEOPLE. “The victims succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, and the suspect fled from the residence on foot.”
PEOPLE reports that just a few days before, on July 10, police responded to a potential burglary at the home. No signs of forced entry were discovered then. But now, police believe the suspect may have entered Kaye and Deluca’s home through an unlocked door.
Former American Idol Contestants Pay Tribute To Robin Kaye
American Idol released a statement mourning Robin Kaye’s death:
“We are devastated to hear of Robin and her dear husband, Tom’s, passing,” a spokesperson for the show told Deadline. “Robin has been a cornerstone of the Idol family since 2009 and was truly loved and respected by all who came in contact with her. Robin will remain in our hearts forever and we share our deepest sympathy with her family and friends during this difficult time.”
Many former Idol contestants also shared tributes to Kaye. They expressed their shock and heartbreak after learning about her tragic death.
Caleb Johnson, who won Season 13 of Idol in 2014, wrote:
“In utter shock, horror, and disbelief that you are no longer with us…Robin, I’m so grateful to have met you in this lifetime. You always had my back on @americanidol and you always fought for the songs I wanted to sing on the show. Why anyone would do this to such a sweet and kind soul is completely insane and twisted. RIP…I literally just talked to you two months ago…what a cruel and wicked world we live in.”
Casey Abrams, who competed alongside Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina on Season 10 of Idol, remembered Kaye in a tribute on Instagram. He said:
“RIP Robin. You took care of me on Idol! I’m happy I knew you…Sending love to [the] Kaye Family.”
Several Idol alums also shared tributes via The Hollywood Reporter.
Season 11’s Colton Dixon said:
“I’m absolutely devastated to hear the news about my friend Robin. Though I shouldn’t play favorites, Robin was always a highlight during my time on American Idol. She was quick to listen and always fought for what the artist wanted. She helped make my time on the show an unforgettable experience.”
Kris Allen, the winner of Season 8, said:
“Robin was such a huge part of my success on the show…She fought for getting what song I would feel comfortable singing that week cleared. But more than that she was always so understanding and kind. Going through that show was stressful and the people that were understanding and kind behind the scenes made it all OK. Robin was at the top of that list. And it was the same every time I saw her afterward. My heart goes out to her and her husbands’ families.”
Nick Fradiani, who won Season 14, said:
“I met many amazing people during my time on American Idol, but Robin always stood out as someone I immediately bonded with. She treated me like a son almost immediately. She was caring and understanding of the stresses of the show, especially with choosing a song. She made each conversation with me feel important. I’m so lucky to have been able to return to Idol last year to promote the Broadway Show A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical. Robin was the first person to text me to tell me how happy she was to have me back, and she went right to work to figure out what songs I would be doing. She will be missed. This is truly an unthinkable tragedy.”
We join these artists in mourning Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca’s deaths. Our hearts and prayers go out to their families and loved ones.
