American Idol, The Voice, Canadian Idol, Military Idol and Majors and Minors, and personally coached the likes of Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Clarkson, Barry Manilow and Bob Dylan.She died in Los Angeles on Tuesday (March 5), with no cause of death given.Reacting to the news, Hudson – who rose to fame as a finalist in the 2004 season of American Idol – 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.