Singer and vocal coach Debra Byrd has died aged 72.

Best known for her work as a vocal coach on The Voice and American Idol, she’d also worked with stars including Jennifer Hudson, Barry Manilow, Bob Dylan and Kelly Clarkson.

She died in Los Angeles on Tuesday. No cause of death was given.

Actress and singer Jennifer Hudson paid tribute on X, sharing a clip of her rehearsing with Byrd, and also singing with Sir Elton John.

Hudson wrote: “Heartbroken over the passing of Debra Byrd, the vocal coach on American Idol. She encouraged and supported us from the very beginning! I am so grateful for everything she taught us. She will be dearly missed, but her legacy lives on through the music of countless artists she influenced during her lifetime.

“Rest in peace, Debra.”

Singer Barry Manilow shared a picture of him on stage with Byrd, writing: “This is one of the saddest days of my life. I just can’t wrap my mind around the fact that Debra is no longer with me.

Bob Dylan admits to having ‘binged’ episodes of Coronation Street

Bob Dylan fans to get refund after publisher acknowledges that limited edition ‘hand-signed’ book featured ‘replica’ signatures

Bob Dylan adds dates to first UK tour in more than five years

“She was one of the most wonderful friends I’ve ever had.

“I will miss you forever, my love.”

Byrd had performed with Manilow for many years, touring the world as part of his featured backup group, Ladyflash.

The group released a song written by Manilow in 1976, titled Street Singin’, which reached number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

As well as her TV roles for The Voice, and American Idol, Byrd also appeared on Canadian Idol, Military Idol, and another US reality singing show Majors And Minors.

Byrd also collaborated with Bob Dylan on several tours, as well as giving him voice lessons.

Byrd received critical acclaim for her starring role as Da Singer in the national touring company of Broadway’s Bring In ‘Da Noise, Bring In ‘Da Funk.

She also sang on film soundtracks including The Lion King and Sister Act II, as well as working on several Oscar productions and the 2019 Super Bowl tribute to Prince, directed by Spike Lee.

Away from her broadcasting success, Byrd was also respected in the academic world, and was chair of the vocal department at the Musicians Institute in Los Angeles.

She also served as an artist in residence at the prestigious Berklee College of Music.​​

Related posts:

Martin Bashir won’t face criminal investigation over Diana interview, police say Britney Spears seemingly announces new film role – her first work since end of conservatorship Tennant surprises Doctor Who fans as show bosses pledge future of ‘horror, robots and puppets’ Friends star Matthew Perry ‘spent around $9m trying to get sober’ Stars pay tribute as Dragons’ Den businessman Drew Cockton dies suddenly at 36 Billie Eilish to headline Prince William’s Earthshot Prize awards Rihanna jokes baby son is upset that she is taking soon-to-be-born sibling to the Oscars Second Glastonbury death as crew member found unresponsive in tent ‘Your aunt’s been naked’: Rick Astley re-records iconic track with wrong lyrics for hearing awareness TV host Annabel Giles dies Jodie Foster on ‘flawed female characters’ and ‘all male’ Hollywood Trial delayed for ex-gang leader charged with murder of Tupac Shakur