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Skilyr Hicks, 'America's Got Talent' Contestant and Singer, Dead at 23
by Shelby Scott December 7, 2021
written by Shelby Scott December 7, 2021
Former "America's Got Talent" contestant Skilyr Hicks was found dead on Monday, at just 23 years old.
For now, circumstances regarding the young woman's cause of death remain unknown. TMZ reports the 23-year-old's lifeless body was located at a friend's house in Liberty, South Carolina. The outlet sourced the "America's Got Talent" contestant's mother, Jodi. Further, Hicks' mother stated she does not know the actual homeowner.
For now, the actual cause remains unknown. Although, Jodi did share with TMZ that the young singer-songwriter did battle mental illnesses, including depression in addition to substance abuse.
Prior to her death, Hicks first appeared on "America's Got Talent" in 2013. She performed for current judges at the time, Mel B, Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, and Howard Stern. The outlet reports Hicks made her "AGT" debut with an original song. She later progressed in the rounds until right before the live events in New York City.
Several years later, Hicks faced arrest for underage drinking and spent a brief amount of time in jail following.
Of her death, the "America's Got Talent" contestant's mother said, "She will live on through her music."
Hicks is survived by her mother and four siblings.
'America's Got Talent' Contestant Dies of COVID-19 Complications
Skilyr Hicks' death comes short on the heels of another former "America's Got Talent" contestant, Jay Jay Phillips. Again, TMZ followed up on the news, reporting the keyboard rocker died of complications due to COVID-19.
Phillips reportedly began experiencing COVID-19 symptoms in the week prior to Thanksgiving. He had previously been speaking to family and friends virtually prior to the holiday. His loved ones encouraged him to seek medical attention at the hospital, however Phillips insisted he just needed to rest.
Unfortunately, the choice was fatal. On Thanksgiving Day, both Phillips' mother and girlfriend went to the former "America's Got Talent" contestant's home where they tragically found him dead.
The outlet reported the musician had plans of getting the COVID-19 vaccine, however, that came before Phillips began experiencing symptoms.
Phillips was only 30 years old at the time of his death and in memory of his talent and personality, the "America's Got Talent" standout's band shared a meaningful tribute to Instagram. The band concluded their post with, "We miss you, brother, every second of every minute, of every day. Thank you for teaching us all to laugh a little more."
For those who don't recall Jay Jay Phillips, the musician starred on "America's Got Talent" in both 2009 and 2017, making it much farther into the competition in his second round. Like Hicks long run on "America's Got Talent," Phillips saw his time on the talent show come to an end just short of the quarter finals.
Nevertheless, he remained active in music until his death.