Janice Freeman, who was a contestant on the NBC singing competition show “The Voice” in 2017, has died due to a blood clot. She was 33 years old.
A spokesperson told Entertainment Tonight about her passing: “It’s an unexpected shock to all of us.”
“She had traveled to Kansas City just a week ago (Feb. 22) to perform at a gala one of my client’s was sponsoring and performed beautifully,” the spokesperson said. “She felt very weak the next morning, and my clients were very concerned and suggested she check into an ER before getting back on a plane, but Janice chose to fly home to L.A.”
Miley Cyrus has spoken out about the death of Freeman, who was on her team on season 13 of 'The Voice.'
Posted by Entertainment Tonight on Sunday, 3 March 2019
The singer was at home with her husband, Dion, in L.A., Southern California when she complained of having trouble breathing, according to the report.
Dion, performed CPR until an ambulance took her to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead Saturday, March 2, at 5:30 p.m.
“A survivor and fighter, and a beautiful force in this world, Janice gained notoriety through her success on NBC’s ‘The Voice’ as a member of Miley Cyrus’ team,” the statement said. “Her story inspired fans nationwide, having successfully battled cervical cancer and living her life to the fullest while fighting lupus.”
Freeman stunned judges of “The Voice” during season 13 with a powerful rendition of “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons. Both Miley Cyrus and Jennifer Hudson offered her a spot on their teams after hearing her sing in the blind auditions phase of the show.
Jennifer Hudson posted a clip of that moment on Instagram on Sunday.
“@janicefreeman the voice of hers we got to hear and the bit of life we got to watch her live was a blessing and inspiration to us all! My heart and prayers go out to@janicefreeman daughter and family !” Hudson’s post read.
Freeman ended up joining Cyrus’ team and made it to the top 11 before she was eliminated.
The singer remained close with Cyrus even after the season ended. She revealed on Twitter last year that the pop star had helped her family cover some bills until they found permanent housing.
Thank you ALL but she found us placement until we found permanent housing, gave me the deposit, covered me for 6 months so I can get on my feet! @MileyCyrus you are one of my closest friends and what you did for me and my family Im praying GOD gives you the desire of your heart!
— Janice Freeman (@janice_freeman) January 1, 2018
“@MileyCyrus you are one of my closest friends and what you did for me and my family I’m praying GOD gives you the desire of your heart! ” Freeman said in a tweet.
Miley Cyrus honored Freeman in a post on her Instagram story on Sunday.
“Thank you @janicefreeman … for everything. This represents you perfectly,” Cyrus wrote on top of a picture of a rainbow.
Others also shared tributes to Freeman on social media.
“Just before I stepped on stage to sing with Tori Kelly at her Orange County show tonight I received word that my beautiful friend Janice Freeman passed away. I’m at a loss. A complete and utter loss. She was beating cancer. She was a BEAST vocalist,” singer Crystal Lewis tweeted.
Just before I stepped on stage to sing with Tori Kelly at her Orange County show tonight I received word that my beautiful friend Janice Freeman passed away. I’m at a loss. A complete and utter loss. She was beating cancer. She was a BEAST vocalist… li… https://t.co/PfFzITPb0v pic.twitter.com/8RnvG7FYhY
— Crystal Lewis (@thecrystallewis) March 3, 2019
Freeman is survived by her husband, her daughter Hannah, her mother Janice, siblings and extended family.
Celebrities Lost So Far in 2019
Peter Tork
Albert Finney
James Ingram
Longtime R&B singer James Ingram died in late January. Quincy Jones, a collaborator of his, wrote: “With that soulful, whisky sounding voice, James Ingram was simply magical … every beautiful note that James sang pierced your essence and comfortably made itself at home.”
Fatima Ali
“Top Chef” alum Fatima Ali died on Friday, Jan. 25, after a battle with terminal cancer. She was 29.
Former “Top Chef” contestant Bruce Kalman paid tribute to her: “It’s with a heavy heart we say goodbye to Fatima Ali today, as she has lost her battle with cancer,” he wrote
Carol Channing
Bob Einstein
Comedian and actor Bob Einstein died on Jan. 2 after a battle with cancer. He was 76.
Daryl Dragon
Daryl Dragon, or “Captain” of pop group Captain and Tennille, died on Jan. 2 of renal failure.
The-CNN-Wire
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The Epoch Times reporter Jack Phillips contributed to this report.
