Former SC ‘American Idol’ contestant pleads to felony DUI with death

A former “American Idol” contestant from South Carolina pleaded guilty Monday to felony driving under the influence resulting in death.

Judge J. Derham Cole Jr. sentenced Caleb Kennedy, 20, to 25 years in prison, suspended after eight years, to include five years active prison time and three years in home detention.

The judge also directed Kennedy to have mental health and substance abuse counseling, no contact with the victim’s family and random drug testing.

Kennedy was credited with serving 1,014 days.

Kennedy attorney Ryan Beasley said Kennedy will likely serve about a year in prison.

Beasley released a statement on Kennedy’s behalf.

“First of all, Caleb again wants to express his heartfelt sympathies to the Parris family. Caleb fully accepts his responsibility for this accident and hopes for healing for everyone affected by this tragedy.”

Kennedy was arrested Feb. 8, 2022 after he drove a pickup truck into a garage in Pacolet, killing 54-year-old Duane Parris. He had marijuana and Prozac in his system.

Kennedy, one of the last remaining contestants on “Idol” in 2021, left the show after he told producers about a video circulating on social media that showed him sitting with someone dressed in what appears to be a Ku Klux Klan hood.