As 2025 comes to an end, we are taking a moment to remember all those who we have lost this year, including two “The Voice” alums who sadly passed away.
Ryan Whyte Maloney
Ryan Whyte Maloney competed on “The Voice” US in Season 6 in 2014. He died by suicide on January 28, 2025, People reports. He was 44. The Clark County Office of the Coroner/Medical Examiner in Las Vegas confirmed his death in a statement to People.
Fans of the singing competition may remember his audition with Journey’s “Lights.” He chose Blake Shelton as his coach. Maloney was one of Shelton’s final five contestants and would later perform at the country music icon’s Ole Red bar in Las Vegas.
The singing competition announced Maloney’s passing on January 30 with a Facebook post. “Ryan Whyte Maloney will always be in our hearts and minds. He was part of The Voice family, and he will be missed,” they captioned a photo of him singing onstage. Fans reacted to the post with an outpouring of love.
“I will never forget the night I went to watch him perform and he told me he was going to be in the Voice and I couldn’t be more excited for him! He was such a good guy to me he will be missed!,” a comment reads. “Deeply sorry to hear this! RIP,” another shared.
A third fan shared their thoughts, writing, “I met him in Vegas right before he auditioned for the show. He’s the reason I started watching the show in the first place. Such a talented soul. It’s truly heartbreaking to know he was suffering to this extent.”
Virginia Lillye
Virginia Lillye competed on “The Voice Australia” in Season 9 in 2020. In 2023, she announced the heartbreaking news that she had been diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer, News.com.au reports.
In October 2025, she passed away at age 56. Australian singer Don Spencer shared a tribute on Instagram on October 20. He posted a photo of Lillye and shared his thoughts in the caption.
“I am terribly saddened to hear that the beautiful Virginia Lillye has lost her battle with cancer,” Spencer wrote. “Virginia was not only an amazing talent but one of the loveliest people you could meet. She performed many times to help raise funds for the ACMF…she was an absolute showstopper. My deepest sympathy to Julian and her family. R.I.P Virginia.”
Fans reacted to the news of Lillye’s passing, sharing their sadness and offering their condolences. “What a beautiful soul. Very sad news,” a comment reads. “Awww… such sad news!!! Rest easy sweet angel!!! Another life tragically claimed by this devastatingly awful illness!!!” another fan shared.
