‘American Idol' Family Mourns Death of Show's Music Supervisor, Robin Kaye
With a long history of working at record labels like MTM, MCA and PolyGram, including positions where she licensed music for film and TV, Kaye joined the series in 2009 and is the longest tenured music supervisor in the show's 24-year run. Credited with working on some 300 episodes, she was responsible for clearing thousands of songs for broadcast — from performances by finalists to group numbers to 'home week' themes.
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Indeed, Kaye was instrumental in convincing Led Zeppelin to allow a cover of 'Whole Lotta Love' to be performed by Adam Lambert on Season 8 — a first for the classic rock band. In a 2009 interview, Kaye shared how she convinced the band's representatives to approve use of the song. '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.'
Kaye was still working on the coming season of Idol at the time of her death.
The Hollywood Reporter reached out to many of the contestants who were guided by Kaye during the 16 seasons she served as a member of the production staff.
Here are their heartfelt statements – the words 'kind' and 'calm' show up many times in these tributes from those contestants who are devastated by her death.
'Robin was such a huge part of my success on the show. She's the reason I was able to perform 'Falling Slowly' and 'Heartless.' She fought for getting what song I would feel comfortable singing that week cleared. But more than that she was always so understanding and kind. Going through that show was stressful and the people that were understanding and kind behind the scenes made it all OK. Robin was at the top of that list. And it was the same every time I saw her afterward. My heart goes out to her and her husbands' families.' – Kris Allen, Season 8 winner
'I met many amazing people during my time on American Idol, but Robin always stood out as someone I immediately bonded with. She treated me like a son almost immediately. She was caring and understanding of the stresses of the show, especially with choosing a song. She made each conversation with me feel important. I'm so lucky to have been able to return to Idol last year to promote the Broadway Show A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical. Robin was the first person to text me to tell me how happy she was to have me back, and she went right to work to figure out what songs I would be doing. She will be missed. This is truly an unthinkable tragedy.' – Nick Fradiani, Season 14 winner and star of
'I had the absolute pleasure of working closely with Robin during my time on American Idol. It felt like we spoke almost daily, as she was such a key part of the experience. We used to laugh because she'd always catch me trying to dodge her for a few extra minutes after a performance, especially when she was already asking what I was going to sing next week, sometimes just moments after finding out I made it through to the next round. That was Robin: sharp, quick, always 10 steps ahead, but always leading with care and doing everything she could to guide and support us through such a wild, life-changing time.
Robin was such an impactful part of my Idol journey, and I credit so much of my growth on the show to her. She pushed me, motivated me, and helped shape me into the artist I am today. She was a real advocate, especially for artists like me who didn't always fit the typical mold. She made you feel seen and respected while always keeping it real.
I feel really grateful I saw Robin recently at this past season's Idol finale and was able to tell her I loved and missed her. We hugged, caught up, and celebrated the historic win of Jamal, the first black male winner since Ruben Studdard. As a black singer myself, I'll always remember how Robin treated me with respect, love, and unwavering encouragement. She played a huge role in my journey, and I'll forever be thankful for her kindness and support. My heart breaks knowing her husband was also taken in this senseless tragedy. I'm sending my deepest condolences to their family, their loved ones, and my Idol family. Hollywood will feel a little dimmer without her.' – Rayvon Owen, Season 14
'I am incredibly saddened to hear the horrific news about Robin Kaye and her husband's tragic murder. Working with Robin on the show was a true pleasure. She had a calming spirit with such kind and compassionate eyes. She talked to me as if she were a friend or family member that I'd known my whole life. She worked hard to help make my dreams (and so many others) come true by getting approval of songs that I deeply connected with so that I could perform them on Idol. (Including getting full approval from Robert Plant and Jimmy Page to do Led Zeppelin's 'What Is and What Should Never Be.' I remember the feeling of being in her presence like it was yesterday. I'm so grateful to have shared that special time with her. May she and her husband rest in peace.' – Haley Reinhart, Season 10
'My family and I are heartbroken over the loss of Robin Kaye. She was a genuine advocate for the artists, someone who truly cared. Her heart was always in the right place, and she remained a friend long after the show ended. Robin championed me all the way through the top 10, and her belief in my artistry helped bring my performance of so many songs, including [Katy Perry's] 'Unconditionally,' to life. That moment was powerful, not just because of the song, but because Robin stood behind it. J-Lo loved how I arranged the song and Robin supported that. That memory means the world to me, and I owe it in large part to Robin's vision and support. She wasn't just a remarkable music supervisor, but a quiet force behind some of Idol's most iconic moments, and a truly beautiful soul. Robin had that rare ability to make artists feel seen and valued, not just as performers, but as people. Her kindness, her insight, and her steadfast encouragement shaped careers and lifted spirits. She will be missed more than words can say. Thank you, Robin, for believing. For caring. For giving so much of yourself. Your legacy lives on in the music, and in all of us who had the privilege of knowing you.' – Olivia Rox, Season 15
'Although we haven't been in touch in recent years, I remember Robin as being incredibly kind and supportive during my time on Idol. She worked tirelessly to help us get our songs cleared and was such an essential part of the show behind the scenes. Her presence and dedication will be deeply missed.' – Pia Toscano, Season 10
'Every week when we went to the producers to sing our song choice for the next show, Robin was our shining light. You'd look around the room singing your heart out and meet the eyes of these legendary producers who've heard every contestant from Carrie Underwood to Adam Lambert. You were giving your best and it was their job to punch holes in it. You couldn't help but feel intimidated. It was necessary, but terrifying! And then you'd meet Robin's eyes. This beautiful beacon of light sitting near the door with her notepad. No matter what, she would always be smiling, and her eyebrows lifted as if to say, 'You're doing great! Keep going! I love this song!' Although she's gone, that smile will live with me forever.' – Clark Beckham, Season 14
'Robin wasn't just a music supervisor, but a friend. While she suggested song choices and gave advice to me on American Idol, what I appreciated even more about her was that she took the time to schedule calls with me long after I was on the show. We would text, and we talked about different paths I could potentially take to remain in the music world while establishing a sustainable career. She didn't have to do that, but she took the time for me and did it anyway. I always had musical conversations with her while on Idol. Several times, it was her song suggestion that kept me on the show during major elimination rounds. There need to be more people like Robin, and I'm truly shocked to hear this news. I can't fathom the amount of hatred in your heart you have to have to take the lives of such sweet people.' – Jessica Meuse, Season 13
'I'm absolutely devastated to hear the news about my friend Robin. Though I shouldn't play favorites, Robin was always a highlight during my time on American Idol. She was quick to listen and always fought for what the artist wanted. She helped make my time on the show an unforgettable experience.' – Colton Dixon, Season 11
'I will always remember Robin as one of the calmest, kindest presences on set. She was a true master of music clearance – thoughtful, persistent and deeply respected in her field. I'll never forget that she got [Fleetwood Mac's] 'Rhiannon' cleared for me – a song that had never been approved on American Idol before. That moment was incredibly special to me, and it wouldn't have happened without her. Years after the show, I had dinner with Robin and her husband at their old house in Toluca Lake. It was a beautiful, peaceful place, and they were such warm, gracious hosts. I remember how much they both loved music, how Robin lit up when we met their parrot, and how easy it was to feel at home in their presence. It was one of those evenings that stays with you. I'm in shock, gutted, and utterly heartbroken. Robin and her husband were gentle, good souls — the kind of people who wouldn't hurt anyone. They didn't deserve this. My heart goes out to their families and loved ones, and I truly hope justice is found.' – Didi Benami, Season 9
'Robin was great at her job. As a blind person, there were always some extra considerations for me to work through when I needed to get a hold of music or quickly research new songs to perform. Robin made that process as easy as possible for me and was always willing to go the extra mile. She helped me and a lot of others on our musical journeys.' – Scott MacIntyre, Season 8
'Robin was such a sweet woman. I remember being touched by her calm voice and warmth. We talked on a weekly basis during my time on Idol. Because of Robin I was able to showcase one of my favorite songs, 'Somos Novios' [the Spanish version of the Perry Como hit 'It's Impossible'], which wasn't originally on the list of cleared songs. But she fought for that and made it happen. Had it not been for Robin, I wouldn't have been able to take the risk of singing Beyoncé in Spanish. But Robin found a way to clear 'Oye,' the Spanish version of 'Listen' from the movie Dreamgirls. After going years without speaking, I had the pleasure of working with her last year when I was asked to be a vocal coach for the most stressful part of the audition process – Hollywood Week. Robin still had the same calm and warm energy our team needed to make sure we could do our jobs smoothly, so the contestants could showcase the songs they wanted. I'm grateful for knowing her and hope to leave an impression like she did. I don't know anyone that could say anything bad about her or her character. She will be missed and she will be celebrated for the ways in which she encouraged those around her.' – Devin Velez, Season 12
'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.' – Danny Gokey, Season 8
Nigel Lythgoe and Ken Warwick were executive producers of American Idol when Kaye joined the production staff. 'Robin was a joy to work with,' Lythgoe tells The Hollywood Reporter. 'If there was a piece of music that she couldn't get permission to use she would have numerous other ideas to offer the contestant.'Adds Warwick: 'Robin was a pleasure to work with. She always kept a cool head in a job that was difficult and manic. She never ceased to deliver and no matter what the stress of a weekly live television show, and she always had a friendly and pleasant demeanor. My heart goes out to her family, she will be truly missed.'The ABC-TV series 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.'
With additional reporting by Michele Angermiller
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The film also nods to the iconic actors from the original who are no longer with us, including Carl Weathers, Joe Flaherty and Richard Kiel. Here, the director talks about what it is like joining the project and working with Sandler and other members of the cast. 'Happy Gilmore' is a comedic cornerstone from the '90s. Do you remember the first time you watched it? What was it like to come on board for the sequel? I was 12 years old in 1996 when the movie came out, so I think the visuals are imprinted on the back walls of my brain. It was one of the first movies where I realized that movies didn't just 'appear' — somehow people are making these funny movies. After I watched the film, I picked up my grandfather's video camera in 1997 and began shooting funny videos with my friends. 'Happy Gilmore' was a movie that made all of my friends laugh. I remember everyone from my school constantly quoting lines and laughing together. Joining the sequel was a surreal moment for me, to say the least. The sequel brought back a lot of the original cast members who were so memorable, like Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald and Ben Stiller, but you also see new faces in the 'Happy Gilmore' universe like Bad Bunny, John Daly and Benny Safdie. Do you have a favorite moment from filming or a scene where the OG cast and new cast came together? I loved filming the scene where Frank (Safdie) confronts Happy outside the batting cages. Benny and Adam have such great chemistry, and it was fun to see the two worlds collide. Happy stands against his Duster while Frank leans against his electric Rolls-Royce. The scene itself holds this cool subtext that, to me, reaches through the screen. Plus, Happy dissing Frank's breath is always gonna be funny to me. You've directed a couple of other films, but a lot of your work has been on television, including on 'Workaholics' and most recently 'What We Do in the Shadows.' How is directing a film like 'Happy Gilmore 2' different from television? My approach is similar in everything I make, attempting to get the truth of the scene while prioritizing humor. Sometimes I have a lot of resources to do that and sometimes I don't. What was it like getting notes from Adam Sandler on the film as you were working on it? I love working with Adam, a.k.a. Sandman. He is a true maverick. He is not only the star but also wrote the film as well as produced it. He likes to roll up his sleeves and do the work. Him and I share a deep love for the set, and we have a ton of fun out there and definitely challenge each other along the way. Collaboration is at the core of creation. What's your go-to comfort watch, the film or TV show you return to again and again? 'The Big Lebowski' [HBO Max]. Love it. It's another formative one for me — this time, I was in high school, about to graduate, and I played on the varsity bowling team. I love the characters/performances the most, and honestly assumed that most of it had to be off the cuff, but learn[ing] years later that the Coens [sibling directors Joel and Ethan Coen] had written every line the way it was performed made me fall in love with the screenplay. I love everything about that movie and can watch it over and over.
