American Idol 2026 Honors Music Supervisor Robin Kaye After Tragic Murder Paulette CohnJanuary 26, 2026 at 8:00 PM 0 Photo by Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Guild of Music Supervisors When American Idol premieres its ninth season on ABC tonight (Season 24 overall), it begins with a dedication to former music supervisor Robin Kaye as the singing competition continues to mourn her loss. Kaye and her husband, Tom DeLuca were allegedly murdered in their Encino home in July 2025 by 22yearold Raymond Boodarian.
- - American Idol 2026 Honors Music Supervisor Robin Kaye After Tragic Murder
Paulette CohnJanuary 26, 2026 at 8:00 PM
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Photo by Rachel Murray/Getty Images for Guild of Music Supervisors
When American Idol premieres its ninth season on ABC tonight (Season 24 overall), it begins with a dedication to former music supervisor Robin Kaye as the singing competition continues to mourn her loss. Kaye and her husband, Tom DeLuca were allegedly murdered in their Encino home in July 2025 by 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian.
In her honor, the opening title card for the series reads:
"Season 24 of American Idol:
Dedicated to Robin Kaye
'We'll save you a seat.'"
Here's everything to know about Robin Kaye, and why American Idol decided to honor her.
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Who is Robin Kaye?
Kaye was a music supervisor for American Idol up until her death. She was responsible for securing licensing for songs performed by the contestants on American Idol. After a career at record labels, including MTM, MCA and PolyGram, she began working on the show in 2009 and is credited with more than 300 episodes, including some firsts.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she shared how she convinced Led Zeppelin to allow a cover of "Whole Lotta Love" to be performed by Adam Lambert on Season 8.
"I said, 'This is the time to consider it. If you're ever going to try it, this is the time.' I don't know if Robert Plant knew, but his manager did because his kids were big Adam fans. They watched the show in England."
Who killed American Idol's Robin Kaye?
Raymond Boodarian was charged with two counts of murder and one count of residential burglary two days after the murders of Robin Kaye and her husband, but in November 2025, he was declared mentally incompetent to stand trial and ordered to be committed to a state hospital, according to ABC7 in Los Angeles.
Per Page Six, in December, Boodarian's specific diagnosis was not confirmed, but the judge added, "The defendant lacks the capacity to make decisions regarding psychotropic medication." He was ordered to be committed to a state hospital.
Related: What Time is American Idol on Tonight? How to Watch the 2026 Premiere
How did Robin Kaye die?
Robin Kaye and Tom DeLuca were both killed in their home. In their investigation, the LAPD concluded that the killings appeared to be random and that DeLuca and Kaye were not specifically targeted by Raymond Boodarian.
Rather, surveillance footage indicated that Boodarian allegedly entered their home through an unlocked door while the couple was at the grocery store. A "violent struggle" ensued when they returned home, during which they were killed with their own gun.
Related: Who Is Robin Kaye? What to Know About the 'American Idol' Music Supervisor Found Dead at Home
How did American Idol respond to Robin Kaye's death?
Back in July 2025, at the time of the murders, American Idol issued an official statement about Kaye's death: "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. Robin will remain in our hearts forever and we share our deepest sympathy with her family and friends during this difficult time."
The Hollywood Reporter spoke to several of the artists that Kaye worked with over the course of the show, including Danny Gokey from Season 8, who said, "Most of our interactions were about the songs I wanted to sing on the show. She was always really sweet, accommodating and humble. She always tried her best to get the songs that we wanted to sing cleared, but if she got a 'no,' she would work quickly to find alternatives for us. I'm shocked by her passing. It is a tragic loss for the entire Idol family."
American Idol returns Monday, Jan. 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC. Streams next day on Hulu.
This story was originally published by Parade on Jan 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the TV section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Source: "AOL Entertainment"
Source: Entertainment
Published: January 27, 2026 at 12:45AM on Source: PRIME TIME
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