Former 'Idol' Elliott Yamin's Mother Dies

By Access HollywoodApril 2, 2008, 1:14 pm PDT

- celebs:
- Katharine McPhee

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- The mother of former "American Idol" contestant Elliott Yamin has died, Access Hollywood has learned.

Claudette Yamin died on Monday night in Richmond, Virginia. She was 65.

[ Access Extended: Chikezie Talks Leaving 'Idol' - Play it Now ]

The cause of death was not immediately released, according to news reports.

Claudette was familiar to "American Idol" fans as one of the most supportive parents ever in the audience. She was frequently featured during Elliott's season on the show.

[ 'American Idol' Celebrity Knock-Offs - Check Out the Photos ]

A rep for Elliott released the following statement to Access Hollywood on Wednesday on the singer's behalf:

"My mother touched many people's lives on a local and national level and she will be missed."

[ All Access: American Idol - Music - Deaths ]

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, the rep confirmed to Access.

Elliott, 29, finished in third place during the fifth season of "Idol," behind Katharine McPhee and eventual winner Taylor Hicks.

[ Access Extended: Booted 'Idol' Chikezie Performs - Play it Now ]

The singer had been scheduled to sing "God Bless America" at the opening of the Washington Nationals' new baseball stadium in Washington, D.C., on Monday.

However, Yamin had to cancel due to the death of his mother. Broadway star Denyce Graves, who also sang the game's national anthem, took his place.

[ 'American Idol' Celebrity Knock-Offs - Check Out the Photos ]

comments

comments 1-10 of 315 | newest | < newer | older > | oldest

KIMBA V

ELLIOT, MY HEART HURTS FOR YOUR LOSS... YOUR MOTHER'S LOVE FOR YOU CAME THROUGH THE TV EVERYTIME YOU WERE ON STAGE. THERE IS NO OTHER LOVE LIKE THAT OF A MOM... DIOS TE BENDIGA ELLIOT, YOU ARE IN OUR PRAYERS. SING AS IF SHE IS FRONT AND CENTER AT EVERY VENUE YOU PERFORM AT, AND SMILE THAT SWEET SMILE SO WE CAN KNOW THAT YOU FEEL HER THERE WITH YOU.

report abuseposted April 4, 2008, 8:32 am PDT
Karen

God bless you Elliot and your family. My Mom is 90 and failing and I know that her time is soon. No matter when you lose your Mother, at any age, it is devastating and a hollow feeling comes over you. You need to always remember the fun times, the loving times they are precious and keep them with you always. Remember she may not be with you but she will be your angel watching you.

report abuseposted April 3, 2008, 12:02 pm PDT
elliesmama42

that should have said if you need help dealing with it get it.

report abuseposted April 3, 2008, 7:05 am PDT
elliesmama42

that should have said in my prayers, got it all messed up. Whatever you do Elliot, go through the grieving process as long as it takes to do it, if you eed help feal with it, get it. My mother was killed in a car accident that was very sudden and tragic and no one got me help, when they should have. i am still devasted by it but have learned to deal with it. you have no choice but to.

report abuseposted April 3, 2008, 7:04 am PDT
Julie D

Poor Elliott...my prayers go to him and his family.

report abuseposted April 3, 2008, 7:02 am PDT
elliesmama42

I am sorry to hear about your mother, you are my in my prayers, I know how you feel, I lost mine 19 years ago, it does get easier over time but you never forget them and the little things that you used to do with them and no longer can do them reminds you everyday that there is no one like your mom. She does everything for you and no one ever will do the things she does. you only have one mom.

report abuseposted April 3, 2008, 7:01 am PDT
kenny m

My heart goes out 2 this young man.I pray strength & continued success 4 him in the face of such devastating adversity.I also encourage each & every1 of u,2 either turn or burn.Life is short, death is sure,sin the cause,Christ the cure.U never know when that last breath is finally gonna leave your body 4 good.I hope u all do some serious soul searching & all the while being

report abuseposted April 3, 2008, 7:01 am PDT
DOnna J

That is very sad news...Our prayers are with him...

report abuseposted April 3, 2008, 6:56 am PDT
My prayers go out to his family, Eliot is a great singer, I wish him all the best

report abuseposted April 3, 2008, 6:54 am PDT
velvet_tears1959

hi elliott im so sorry to hear about your mother i was a great fan of your on american idol but i was a fan of hers also my thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of lost take care and keep your head up it is what your mother would have wanted from you keep making her proud

report abuseposted April 3, 2008, 6:53 am PDT

comments 1-10 of 315 | newest | < newer | older > | oldest

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