Multiple famous “American Idol” alums are expressing their grief and disbelief over the shooting that killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025.
Kirk, known for galvanizing young Republican voters, was speaking at an outdoor Utah Valley University event that was free to the public when he was fatally shot, per the New York Times. Social media lit up with reactions, including from many “American Idol” fan favorites.
Country Stars Gabby Barrett & Lauren Alaina React to Charlie Kirk Tragedy
GettyAmong the stars who quickly posted their reactions to Kirk’s passing on September 10 was country singer and season 16 finalist Gabby Barrett. She posted a photo of Kirk in her Instagram Stories and wrote, “Sickening. Praying for his family.”
Lauren Alaina, runner-up to Scotty McCreery on season 10, also took to her Instagram Stories, where she shared the announcement of Kirk’s death posted by the organization he started, Turning Point USA.
Beneath it, the country star wrote, “My heart aches for his family. My heart aches for this country. My heart aches for change. Let’s lift his wife and children up in prayer.”
Season 23 ‘American Idol’ Stars John Foster & Breanna Nix Speak Out on Charlie Kirk’s Death
As news of Kirk’s death spread, 2024 runner-up John Foster posted a famous Martin Luther King Jr. quote in his Instagram Stories — “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
Beneath the quote, Foster wrote a prayer that said, “Heavenly Father, may our nation strive each day to walk in the way of peace and turn away from violence. We ask You to protect and uphold the nation we hold so dear — a nation that should be indivisible under our common belief of liberty and justice for all. May we apply this sentiment to every act of violence that plagues us, no matter who we are, so that true and lasting peace may prevail.”
Third place finalist Breanna Nix posted a photo of Kirk, his wife and their two children in her Instagram Stories and wrote, “this is absolutely horrible. NO ONE deserves this. This is evil. Praying for his family 💔”
‘American Idol’ Winner & Finalists Mourn Charlie Kirk: ‘I Loved This Guy’
Season 20 winner Noah Thompson shared two posts about Kirk in his Instagram Stories. Under one, he wrote, “I’m really upset about this. I loved this guy and everything he stood for, and what happened is completely unacceptable. More than ever, the world needs Jesus.”
Season 22 runner-up Will Moseley also weighed in. Sharing a post about Kirk in his Stories, he wrote, “Simply unacceptable. A tragedy, no matter your beliefs.”
Megan Danielle, season 21 runner-up, posted a photo of Kirk on Instagram and shared her heartfelt reaction, writing, “This wasn’t just a public figure, Charlie Kirk was a man of God, a husband to Erika, a father to two young children and a son to a family who loved him.”
“He was a voice for millions of young conservatives and someone who dedicated his life to his faith and beliefs,” she continued. “To see his life cut short, in such a violent and senseless way is not only unacceptable, but deeply devastating for his family, his friends and countless people he impacted. Let’s take a moment to pray for his family. 🙏🏻”
