"American Idol" paid tribute to one of its own,Robin Kaye, as the ABC competition show returned for a new season.
"Season 24 of American Idol: Dedicated to Robin Kaye," read an onscreen graphic that kicked off the show's premiere episode, which aired Monday, Jan. 26. "We'll save you a seat."
Kaye, who was a longtime music supervisor for the show, and her husband, Tom Deluca, both 70, were found dead in their home last year.
At about 2:30 p.m. on July 14, officers conducted a welfare check at the couple's house following a report from a person who "had not heard from the resident for several days," theLos Angeles Police Department said. Officers later entered the residence and discovered two bodies, later identified as Kaye and Deluca.
The LAPD said the couple died from "multiple gunshot wounds."
The suspect in the case,Raymond Boodarian, 22, faces two counts of murder and one count of first-degree residential burglary, with the special circumstance allegation of multiple murders and murder during the commission of a burglary, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman announced in a July 17news release.
If convicted on all charges, Boodarian faces a possible maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole or death, according to the district attorney's office.
According to Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department records, Boodarian was released to custody in a forensic psychiatric hospital in Bernardino County on Jan. 13, following several competency hearings. A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge in December ordered Boodarian to be committed to the state hospital, LA County Deputy Public Defender Nancy Kolocotronis confirmed to USA TODAY.
A status update hearing is scheduled for March 19, the district attorney's office told USA TODAY on Jan. 26.
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Who was Robin Kaye?
Kaye began her 16-year stint as "Idol's" music supervisor in Season 8, which crowned Kris Allen as the winner in 2009. She worked in the role, which entails clearing music for use on the competition show, through most of Season 23, which crownedJamal Robertsas the winner on May 18.
She is also credited as the music supervisor for the NAACP Image Awards and several Miss Universe pageants, most recently in 2023.
Kaye has received several accolades, including the Guild of Music Supervisors' best music supervision in reality television awardin 2014.
"We are devastated to hear of Robin and her dear husband, Tom's, passing," a spokesperson for "Idol" said in a statement to USA TODAY last year. "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."
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:'American Idol' pays tribute to Robin Kaye in Season 24 premiere
