Skilyr Hicks, a contestant on America’s Got Talent who died this week, was 23 years old.
In a public statement on Facebook, Breelyn Skilyr’s sister confirmed the singer’s death.
“My super beautiful, extremely talented, hilarious, free spirit of a sister left this world to be with Jesus. I can’t possibly put into words how broken-hearted I am,” Her Sister wrote. “I will miss her like crazy. I’ll miss her voice, her long warm hugs, her constantly making jokes using puns. Her ability to create music that inspired thousands of people.”
Breelyn also stated that Skilyr “had so much life left to live.”
“Skilyr, I don’t know how I’ll be able to live without you. You were a light that shown brighter than ever. You were my best friend, you were my rock,” Breelyn continued. “We always had each other’s back no matter what. Just know that I love you unconditionally, That you will live on in our hearts, minds, memories, and through your God Given Musical Ability. Your Songs are your legacy. Fly High, Little Bird.”
Skilyr was discovered dead in his home in Liberty, South Carolina, on Monday night, according to the Pickens County Coroner’s Office. TMZ was first to report the story.
The Pickens County Sheriff’s Office informed WLTX that Skilyr died of an accidental overdose. At the time of publication, a cause of death had not been released.
The sheriff’s office did not respond to a request for comment.
She was 14 years old when she made her AGT debut on season eight and sang in front of Heidi Klum, Howie Mandel, Howard Stern, and Mel B. She performed an original song titled “Second Chance.”
She began performing her music after the death of her father, who had died years before she appeared on the show.
“After his funeral, I wrote my first song,” Hicks told the AGT judges. “That was a really difficult time for me. Music helped me let out all the emotion that was building up inside of me.”
Skilyr’s performance earned her four “Yes” answers from the judges, placing her in the next round of competition. She was eliminated from the show before the New York City live rounds began.
Hicks was arrested for domestic violence in 2017, shortly after leaving AGT. She was subsequently detained for underage drinking in 2018.
Skilyr has left behind a mother, four siblings, and her family. Jodi, Skilyr’s mother, told TMZ that the singer would “live on through her music.”
Since its inception in 2006, America’s Got Talent has been one of the most popular shows on television. The show is a talent competition that features singers, dancers, comedians, and other performers of all ages. America’s Got Talent has produced some of the biggest stars in the entertainment industry, including Jackie Evancho, Susan Boyle, and Grace VanderWaal.
The show is hosted by Tyra Banks and judged by Howie Mandel, Mel B, Heidi Klum, and Simon Cowell. Each season features auditions from cities around the country, as well as a live show in which the contestants perform for the judges and a studio audience. The judges then decide which acts to send through to the next round of the competition.
The show has been a hit with audiences of all ages, and it has been renewed for several seasons in a row. America’s Got Talent is a must-watch show for anyone who loves entertainment. Be sure to check out the next season when it airs on NBC!
