Fans Join Jennifer Hudson In Paying Tribute To Debra Byrd, The Late, Great “American Idol” Coach

If you’ve ever enjoyed a singing competition over the years, odds are, you’ve benefited from the fantastic work of Debra Byrd. She was a vocal coach on several shows including American Idol, The Voice, and Canadian Idol. Over the years, she’s helped elevate the talent of folks like Kelly Clarkson, Bob Dylan, and Barry Manilow. It’s now wonder, then, that so many people continue to share kind words after Byrd passed away on Tuesday.

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This includes the talented Jennifer Hudson. She and Byrd worked closely together during her American Idol days. In a social media post paying tribute to her mentor, Hudson includes a clip of them on the show, highlighting a time when Byrd gave her advice.

“Heartbroken over the passing of Debra Byrd, the vocal coach on American Idol,” Hudson writes. “She encouraged and supported us from the very beginning! I am so grateful for everything she taught us.”

Beyond assisting Hudson on American Idol, it’s said that Byrd recommended her for the role of Effie White in the 2006 movie Dreamgirls. That’s because, in all that Byrd did, helping others was a top priority.

“She will be dearly missed, but her legacy lives on through the music of countless artists she influenced during her lifetime,” Hudson continues. “Rest in peace, Debra.”

“Rest peacefully my sister,” one fan writes in reply to Hudson’s tribute. “My condolences to her family and all those lives she touched.”

“May her voice continue to inspire other generations,” another person shares.

The InspireMore team sends Debra Byrd’s family and loved ones our condolences during this difficult time.

You can find the source of this story’s featured image here.