Nikki McKibbin is a singer and songwriter who made her debut on the national stage on the reality television series American Idol during the first season, taking third place behind Justin Guarini and Kelly Clarkson. She has lived a rough and rocky road since then, struggling with alcoholism and drug addiction issues.
McKibbin was on hand last night at the Nokia Theater for the season eight American Idol finale. The 30 year old Texan initially signed on with 19 Management and RCA Records. They urged her to release a country album but she felt that she was rooted in rock and headed down that path.
She appeared on several reality shows in the ensuing years and released her debut album Unleased in 2007. After a rumored suicide attempt in March 2008 and a 72 hour stint in a psychiatric facility, she joined season two of the VH1 reality show Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew Pinsky, and received treatment for cocaine and alcohol addiction. She then moved into a sober living environment and was part of the filming for the spin-off series Sober House.
Her latest singles are Here to There and Inconsolable.
See more photos and video of Nikki McKibbin on the red carpet below.
More Idol red carpet photos here.
Check out photos and video of Kris Allen from last night’s show.
Photos: WENN