'American Idol' Alums React to Death of Season 3 Finalist Leah LaBelle and Husband
The "American Idol" family is in mourning.
On the morning of Jan. 31, Season 3 finalist Leah LaBelle Vladowski (known professionally as Leah LaBelle), and her husband, former NBA player Rasual Butler, died in a car accident in Studio City, Los Angeles, Deadline reports. The police report indicates that Butler was at the wheel when the car went off the road and collided with a concrete wall, parking meters, and other objects. The vehicle rolled twice during the crash, and ultimately, both LaBelle and Butler were pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. They were 31 and 38, respectively.
The tragic news was met with sadness in the "American Idol" family. Several members shared their grief on Twitter, including LaBelle's fellow Season 3 finalists and eventual winner, Fantasia Barrino, as well as former "Idol" judge Paula Abdul. They remembered LaBelle as sweet, talented, and beautiful, and sent their love and condolences to her and Butler's family and friends.
This just doesn't seem right even saying right now but Rest In Peace Baby Girl ???????? @leahlabelle I will never forget you. Idol Family Forever @AmericanIdolpic.twitter.com/13VtuivjIE
— Fantasia (@TasiasWord) January 31, 2018
Oh sweet, sweet, Leah. I cannot believe you are gone.
My second friend in two days.
Heaven must be a musical paradise.— Diana DeGarmo Young (@DianaDeGarmo) January 31, 2018
So sad to hear the devastating news. Remembering happy times w/ my friend @leahlabelle & my @AmericanIdol family. We love you, Leah! Your light shines on in the memories of all those you touched. Love & aloha to Leah's family. ????❤️???? #leahlabelle#americanidol#gonetoosoon#rippic.twitter.com/TrYKUBj4Yy
— Jasmine Trias (@JasmineTrias) February 1, 2018
My heart is hurting. ????My sister @leahlabelle is in heaven. An Extremely talented and beautiful... https://t.co/gmBqp4sQgF
— La Toya London (@LaToyaLondon) January 31, 2018
.@leahlabelle was beautiful & had the voice of an ANGEL. She was my wild card pick on @AmericanIdol. I'm heartbroken to know that she & her husband @RasualButler45 have passed away. What a horrible tragedy. I send my love and deepest condolences to her family and friends.
— Paula Abdul (@PaulaAbdul) February 1, 2018
Our hearts go out to the family, friends and many fans of our former Idol Leah LaBelle and her husband Rasual Butler, who passed away early this morning. May they rest in peace ❤️
— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) February 1, 2018
Other members of the "American Idol" community also expressed their sorrow, including Season 5 winner Jordin Sparks, who wrote about her friendship with LaBelle and Butler in a touching Instagram post.
"Tomorrow is not promised to any of us," she said, in part. "Don't ever skip a chance to tell someone you appreciate them or how much you love them."
LaBelle and Butler will clearly be missed.