American Idol Vets Share Inspiring Stories Following Music Supervisor’s Double-Murder Tragedy

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American Idol has secured its place in the 2025 television lineup, with the most recent season ending triumphantly for winner Jamal Roberts. However, this popular reality TV show made headlines recently for a heartbreaking reason, as its long-standing music supervisor, Robin Kaye, was tragically murdered this week in what’s being probed as a potential double homicide.

With more information emerging about the series of events surrounding the reported gun-related fatalities, former contestants on American Idol, both in front of and behind the camera, have expressed their respect and tributes to the knowledgeable music professional.

Robin Kaye And Her Husband Were Both Killed Inside Their Home

On a Monday afternoon, specifically July 15th, LAPD authorities were summoned to the Encino-based residence shared by Robin Kaye and Thomas Deluca in Los Angeles. The police visit was prompted due to concerns about their wellbeing, as there had been no contact from the couple for several days. Upon entering the house, officers found both individuals deceased, each having sustained a lethal headshot wound from a gun.

At the scene, it was confirmed that both Kaye and Deluca had passed away, and they were both 70 years old when they sadly lost their lives.

Both Kaye and Deluca died at the location, and they were 70 years old at the time of their respective demises.

Or even more casually:
Both Kaye and Deluca kicked the bucket at the spot, and they were both 70 when they passed on.

The Murder Suspect Was Arrested

A day following the discovery of Kaye and Deluca in their residence, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed that the prime suspect in the murders, 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian from Encino, had been apprehended regarding the fatalities. As per Deadline, the investigation continues.

Following the discovery of the bodies, it’s said that homicide detectives contacted the friends and relatives of the victims for interviews, while also closely examining footage from security cameras. Subsequently, it was uncovered that on July 10th, there had been a potential burglary suspect mentioned in relation to the same residence over the radio.

Even though no signs of forced entry were found, it seems likely that the intruder gained access illegally through an unsecured door or window. It’s thought that the victims returned home while the suspect was already inside, leading to a confrontation that ended tragically with Kaye and Deluca being shot. Boodarian is suspected to have escaped on foot after the incident.

American Idol’s Former Producers And Past Contestants Paid Tribute To The Longtime Music Supervisor

Robin Kaye’s music career in Hollywood gained momentum when she took up the role of a music consultant for the third season of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer.” By 2002, she was appointed as the music supervisor on “American Idol,” following this opportunity just a few years later. It is said that she worked on approximately 288 episodes of the ratings powerhouse, resuming her duties from Season 7 right up until its most recent season.

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As a devoted movie enthusiast, I’ve had the privilege of managing music supervision for numerous seasons of Miss America and Miss USA pageants, not to mention Lip Sync Battle. Over my years involved in Idol, I was deeply appreciated by my colleagues, as expressed by Nigel Lythgoe in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter:

“Kaye’s contribution to our team was immeasurable. Her passion for music and talent for supervision truly set the stage for some of the most memorable performances we’ve had on Idol.

Working with Robin was an absolute delight, and if she encountered any issues with obtaining a particular song, she’d always be ready with a multitude of creative alternatives for the contestant.

Former Idol EP Nigel Lythgoe

In my critique, I commend Kaye’s remarkable resilience in handling the intense pressures that come with procuring tracks for a show solely dedicated to music. To quote Ken Warwick, “Kaye demonstrated an exceptional ability to thrive under the unyielding pressures that such a task entails.

Robin was delightful to collaborate with. She consistently maintained her composure in a challenging and hectic work environment, never faltering in her performance. Despite the pressure of weekly live television shows, she always managed to maintain a cheerful and amiable disposition. My condolences to her family; she will be deeply missed.

Former Idol EP Ken Warwick

In 2009, Kris Allen attributed his Season 8 win to Kaye, stating that her work in selecting his favored songs likely contributed significantly to receiving the most votes. To quote him directly:

Robyn significantly contributed to my success on the show, and she played a crucial role in allowing me to sing ‘Falling Slowly’ and ‘Heartless.’ She tirelessly advocated for choosing a song that made me feel at ease each week. Beyond that, she was always compassionate and considerate. During the stressful times of the show, the empathetic individuals who worked behind the scenes helped make it all bearable. Robyn was one of those people whose kindness stood out. And every time I encountered her afterward, she continued to exhibit this same warmheartedness. My condolences go out to her and her husband’s families during this difficult time.

Season 8 Winner Kris Allen

Season 14 winner Nick Fradiani praised Robin Kaye for her calm and understanding demeanor amidst the high-pressure setting, stating that she had cared for him as if he were her own son. Years after his victory, Fradiani expressed joy in reconnecting with her, saying it was a heartwarming moment for him.

Last year, it was a tremendous privilege for me to rejoin Idol for the promotion of the Broadway Show “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical.” It was Robin who, among others, reached out first with her heartfelt joy over my return. She immediately started brainstorming the perfect songs for my performance. Her untimely passing has left an unfillable void. This unspeakable loss is a stark reminder of the fragility of life.

Season 14 Winner Nick Fradiani

In Season 15, Olivia Rox, who reached the Top 10, generously commended the music supervisor for both their professional skills and kind personality off the job. To quote her directly: “They were not only impressive in their work but also a wonderful individual overall.

As a movie-loving critic, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary impact of Robin, a music supervisor whose influence was not only heard but felt in some of Idol’s most unforgettable scenes. She was more than just a professional; she was a tranquil powerhouse who orchestrated moments that will forever be enshrined in our collective memory.

Robin possessed an exceptional talent for making artists feel understood and appreciated, not merely as entertainers, but as individuals with dreams, fears, and passions. Her compassion, her discernment, and her unwavering support were the catalysts that shaped careers and uplifted spirits. The void she leaves behind is immeasurable, and no words can fully express our sorrow at her passing.

Robin, thank you for your faith in us. Thank you for caring so deeply. Thank you for giving so generously of yourself. Your legacy resounds not only in the music we cherish but in each one of us who had the honor of knowing you. You believed in us, and that belief will continue to echo through time. Rest in peace, Robin.

Season 15’s Olivia Rox

With deep sympathy, we extend our heartfelt thoughts and condolences to the loved ones of Robin Kaye and Tom Deluca as they navigate through their period of grief.

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2025-07-16 20:14