American Idol season 24 began with a heartfelt tribute to late music supervisor Robin Kaye after she and her husband were killed in a double homicide last year.
“Season 24 of American Idol: Dedicated to Robin Kaye,” a tribute card read at the top of the premiere episode, which aired on ABC Monday, January 26. “We’ll save you a seat.’”
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.
“While there were no signs of forced entry or trouble at the location during that investigation, it is now believed that the suspect had gained entry into the residence through an unlocked door,” an LAPD press release stated at the time. “The victims returned home while the suspect was inside their residence, and a confrontation ensued, which resulted in the suspect taking their lives. The victims succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, and the suspect fled from the residence on foot.”
A death certificate obtained by People the following month confirmed the couple died on July 10 from multiple gunshot wounds, four days before their bodies were found. Their death was listed as a homicide. 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. Per a CBS News report at the time, Booardian shot Kaye and Deluca with their own gun before calling the police on himself, using his cell phone and providing 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 been communicating with his attorney. An order to involuntarily medicate Boodarian remains in place.
Weeks after their death, People reported that Kaye had expressed concerns about neighborhood break-ins during a town council meeting. Per the outlet, the couple also attended a Community Police Advisory Board meeting one day before their deaths, where LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell reportedly addressed the surge of break-ins and crime around the area of where Kaye and Deluca lived.
Kaye worked as a music supervisor on American Idol from 2008 until her death and was responsible for securing licensing for songs performed by the contestants for more than 300 episodes.
“We are devastated to hear of Robin and her dear husband Tom’s passing. 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 on American Idol from 2008 until the time of her death, securing licensing for songs performed by the contestants on the long-running series for more than 300 episodes. remain in our hearts forever and we share our deepest sympathy with her family and friends during this difficult time.”
American Idol season 24 airs on ABC Mondays at 8 p.m. ET and streams on Hulu the next day.
