Who Is Robin Kaye? Tragic Story of Music Supervisor and Her Husband

American Idol’s Season 24 premiere on January 26, 2026, featured a heartfelt tribute to Robin Kaye, the beloved music supervisor who played a pivotal role in the long-running reality show. The tribute card at the beginning of the episode sparked curiosity among viewers, many of whom asked: who was Robin Kaye, and what happened to her?

Robin Kaye, born in 1955, had a remarkable career in the music industry. She began working with Waylon Jennings in Nashville and later served as VP of Artist Development and Broadcast Media at MTM Records. She went on to work as VP and artist manager at Sound Management in Chicago, and eventually joined MCA-Universal Records’ Film and TV Licensing department. PolyGram Records later hired her to oversee music licensing across its labels. In 2000, she founded SyncroniCity, representing artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Kenny Loggins, Steven Bishop, and Lang Lang. She later shifted her focus to music supervision, working on music-heavy shows like American Idol, Lip Sync Battle, Worn Stories, Miss USA, and Your Chance to Dance.

Tragically, Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, were murdered in the summer of 2025 at their Los Angeles home. The couple was discovered after a welfare check revealed a gruesome scene, including a broken window and evidence of gunshots. Raymond Boodarian, the 22-year-old accused, was found mentally incompetent to stand trial.

Robin’s work with American Idol spanned nearly 300 episodes, earning her recognition from the Guild of Music Supervisors. Following her passing, the show issued a statement: “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.”

The tribute card serves as a meaningful gesture, honoring Robin’s significant contributions to the show and bringing her legacy to the attention of both new and longtime viewers.