Singers who’ve graced the “American Idol” stage over the last 15 years were in shock on July 15, 2025, as they learned of Robin Kaye’s tragic death in Los Angeles. Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, both 70, walked in on a burglary in progress at their home and were shot in a “violent struggle,” the LAPD told ABC News.
A 22-year-old suspect has been arrested, per ABC, but those who loved the couple are left reeling, including the cast, crew, and contestants who worked closely with Kaye, the music supervisor at “American Idol” since 2009. Many past contestants and veterans of the show have shared touching tributes to Kaye on social media.
‘American Idol’ & Show Veterans Issue Statements Honoring Robin Kaye
On July 15, a spokesperson for “American Idol” issued a statement on the show’s behalf, per KTLA, which said, “We are devastated to hear of Robin and her dear husband, Tom’s, passing. 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.”
Original “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson shared a tribute to Kaye on July 16, writing, “Rest in peace, Robin. She was a dear friend to me and to so many—judges, executives, contestants, publishers, writers, producers, and artists alike 💙. Robin consistently went the extra mile, meticulously ensuring songs were placed and cleared for the show. She was truly one of a kind. Forever loved and deeply appreciated 👏”
Record label executive Scott Borchetta, the CEO of Big Label Machine Group who appeared on “American Idol” as the “in-hour mentor” to contestants on seasons 14 and 15, shared how stunned he was by Kaye’s death in an Instagram post. He tagged host Ryan Seacrest and the judges who were on the show at the same time as him — Keith Urban, Harry Connick Jr., and Jennifer Lopez.
“I don’t have any idea as to how to process this, he wrote. “Robin Kaye & Tom DeLuca were two of the nicest people you’d ever meet. We go back to ‘80’s Nashville… MTM Records… Tommy DeLux’ band The Piggies. Robin and I then worked together on @americanidol May god bless your sweet souls… and may the person responsible burn in hell… love to all my Idol family & MTM family… this is so f’d…”
‘American Idol’ Contestants From Past 15 Years Pay Tribute to Robin Kaye
Kaye told “The Pop Disciple Podcast” in July 2019 that she loved working with her “kids” at the show. She worked her magic to secure rights for songs they wanted to sing, from auditions to the finale, recalling special moments with “Idol” stars including Adam Lambert, Maddie Poppe, Laine Hardy, and more.
Many contestants she worked with over the years have taken to social media to share their grief over Kaye’s tragic passing.
Season 13 winner Caleb Johnson shared a heartbreaking tribute on July 15, posting a photo with Kaye and wring, “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”
In his Instagram Stories, he recalled walking to Trader Joe’s while he was competing on “Idol” to buy flowers for Kaye after she got a song cleared through Jack White’s estate for him to be able to sing on the show. Johnson wrote, “Im honestly sick to my stomach rn. What an amazing human being.”
When season 10 finalist Casey Abrams posted a tribute on Instagram, season 8 winner Kris Allen commented, “Robin was a huge reason I did well on the show but aside from that she was always sweet and kind. Thoughts are with her and her husbands families. Absolute tragedy.”
Season 23 top 20 finalist Drew Ryn posted a photo of Kaye and her husband on July 15 and wrote, “I’m at a complete loss for words over the tragic passing of Robin Kaye and her husband, Tom Deluca. My last conversation with Robin was about my song ‘Shine,’ which I wrote in honor of losing a loved one.”
“Robin was someone who called to discuss my music choices,” Ryn continued, “and lend an ear at a time I had so many thoughts and feelings with nowhere to place them in that moment. I’m devastated by this loss, and my heart goes out to the entire Idol family and to all of their close family and friends. ❤️”
Season 22 finalist Haven Madison shared an article about Kaye and Deluca in her Stories and wrote, “Prayers for their souls, family, and he entire American Idol staff 💔”
Actress Katie Stevens, who was a top 10 finalist in 2010, wrote in her Instagram Stories, “devastated to hear about our beloved Robin Kaye. She was such an important part of our American Idol family, and was so kind, compassionate, hard working, and loving towards all of us. I will never forget you Robin. We love you 💔 Praying for the Kaye family”
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‘American Idol’ Stars Say They’re ‘Devastated’ as They Remember Robin Kaye in Touching Tributes