Why is American Idol 2026 dedicated to Robin Kaye? Tributes explained after death
American Idol season 24 started with a heartfelt tribute to the late music supervisor Robin Kaye after she and her husband died in a double murder last year.
“Season 24 of American Idol: Dedicated to Robin Kaye,” read a tribute card at the top of the premiere episode, which aired on ABC Monday, Jan. 26. “We’ll save a seat for you.”
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed in July 2025 that Kaye and husband Tom Deluca were found dead in their Encino home from possible gunshot wounds after authorities received a request for a welfare check.
“Although there were no signs of forced entry or problems at the location during that investigation, it is now believed that the suspect entered the residence through an unlocked door,” an LAPD statement said. press release stated at the time. “The victims returned home while the suspect was in their home, and a confrontation ensued, which resulted in the suspect taking his own life. The victims succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds and the suspect fled the home on foot.”
A death certificate obtained by People the following month it was confirmed that the couple died of multiple gunshot wounds on July 10, four days before their bodies were found. Their deaths were listed as homicides. They were both 70 years old at the time.
Raymond Boodarian was arrested on July 16 and charged with two counts of murder and one count of residential burglary. According to a CBS News report at the time, Booardian shot Kaye and Deluca with their own gun before calling police himself, using his cell phone and giving his name. The LAPD concluded that the killings appeared to be random and that DeLuca and Kaye were not specifically targeted.
Last month, ABC7 reported that Boodarian was declared mentally incompetent to stand trial and ordered to be committed to a state hospital. Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Maria Cavalluzzi noted during the hearing that Boodarian refused to appear at the Hollywood courthouse and has not communicated with his attorney. An order to involuntarily medicate Boodarian remains in effect.
Weeks after their deaths, People reported that Kaye had raised concerns about burglaries in the neighborhood during a city council meeting. According to the outlet, the couple also attended a Community Police Advisory Board meeting a day before their deaths, which was attended by the LAPD chief Jim McDonnell has reportedly tackled the wave of burglaries and crime in the area where Kaye and Deluca lived.
Kaye worked as a music supervisor American Idol from 2008 until her death and was responsible for licensing songs performed by the participants for more than 300 episodes.
The cause of death of American Idol music supervisor Robin Kaye and husband Thomas Deluca has been revealed. People broke the news on Monday, August 25, that Kaye and Deluca, both 70, died of multiple gunshot wounds, according to death certificates obtained by the publication. They died on July 10 around 4:45 p.m., the documents show. […]
“We are devastated to hear of the passing of Robin and her dear husband Tom. 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,” American Idol said in a statement released shortly after Kaye’s death. “Robin will rKaye worked as a music supervisor at American Idol from 2008 until the time of her passing, securing licenses for songs performed by the long-running series’ contestants for more than 300 episodes. remain forever in our hearts and we share our deepest condolences with her family and friends at this difficult time.”
American Idol season 24 airs on ABC Mondays at 8pm ET and streams on Hulu the next day.
