America’s Got Talent Singer Skilyr Hicks Dies at 23 After Troubled Years
Former America’s Got Talent contestant Skilyr Hicks, who once moved the judges with an original song written from the pain of losing her father, has died at the age of 23.
Hicks was found dead on Monday at a friend’s home in Liberty, South Carolina. Her death was reported in December 2021, but at the time, the circumstances surrounding it remained unclear to her family.
Her mother, Jodi, told TMZ that she did not know what caused her daughter’s death or who owned the house where Hicks was found.
Hicks battled personal struggles before her death
According to her mother, Hicks had experienced mental health difficulties for some time, including depression and substance abuse.
The news devastated her family, including Hicks’ four siblings. Jodi said they all loved her deeply and were struggling with the loss.
Despite the difficulties she faced, her mother also emphasized the positive impact Hicks tried to make through music.
“She will live on through her music,” Jodi said.
Hicks had also faced legal troubles in the years before her death.
In November 2018, she reportedly had an encounter with authorities related to underage drinking. TMZ had previously reported that Hicks spent time in jail in April 2017 after allegedly getting into a physical altercation with three family members, including her grandmother and older sister, while under the influence of alcohol.
A painful story behind her AGT audition
Hicks was only 14 when she appeared on the eighth season of America’s Got Talent.
Performing in front of Howard Stern, Howie Mandel, Heidi Klum and Mel B, the young singer-songwriter chose to perform an original song titled “Brand New Day.”
Her audition earned three “Yes” votes from the judges, allowing her to advance to the next round. Although she was eventually eliminated from the competition, her performance remained memorable to viewers.
Hicks was a self-taught musician who said she had been singing since she was a baby. She later began learning guitar after the death of her father, who had passed away several years earlier following what she described as some bad decisions.
Rather than allowing the loss to silence her, Hicks turned to music as a way of processing her grief.
She learned to play guitar, began writing songs and continued developing her singing. Her music became a source of comfort as she tried to cope with the loss of her father.
During her America’s Got Talent audition, she opened up about that experience, prompting Howard Stern to offer words of encouragement and tell her that her father would be proud of her.
Fans remember Hicks through her music
News of Hicks’ death prompted an outpouring of sympathy from fans online.
People took to Twitter to send condolences to her family, while others paid tribute to the young singer with messages wishing her peace.
Although her time on America’s Got Talent lasted only part of a season, Hicks left behind a story closely connected to music, grief and the personal struggles she faced throughout her short life.
For those who remembered her audition, her original songs offered a glimpse into how she used music to turn painful experiences into something she could share with others.