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‘The Voice’ contestant Janice Freeman dies at 33; Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Hudson pay tribute
Mar
‘The Voice’ contestant Janice Freeman dies at 33; Miley Cyrus, Jennifer Hudson pay tribute
“The Voice” contestant Janice Freeman has died at 33.
Freeman, who competed on Season 13 of the NBC show in 2017, died Saturday, her management confirmed in a statement posted Sunday to Freeman’s Instagram Stories.
“We are heartbroken to report that Janice Marie Freeman passed away … from an extreme case of pneumonia and a blood clot that traveled to her heart,” the statement reads. “While at home her husband Dion performed CPR until the ambulance arrived. She passed away at a local hospital shortly after.”
With heavy hearts and sadness we share the news of Janice’s passing . Details about services and in what ways the family can be supported to follow ? pic.twitter.com/iNHiQ4Etnt
— Janice Freeman (@janice_freeman) March 3, 2019
The powerhouse singer gained attention on “The Voice” with her soulful rendition of Imagine Dragons’ “Radioactive,” which made both Jennifer Hudson and Miley Cyrus turn their chairs during blind auditions. Ultimately, Freeman joined Team Miley.
Fans fell in love with Freeman’s vocals and her inspiring story of overcoming many obstacles, including beating cervical cancer and living with lupus, an autoimmune disease.
“I’ve definitely been singing all my life but I’ve had so many obstacles that constantly try to stop that,” an emotional Freeman said on “The Voice” following her performance.
During her run on the singing competition, Freeman sang “W.O.M.A.N,” “I’m Goin’ Down,” “Fall for You,” “The Story,” “Shine” and “Chandelier.” She also sang “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” with Cyrus before finishing in the top 11.
After the show, Cyrus and Freeman formed a friendship and kept in touch. In January 2018, Freeman revealed that Cyrus covered half a year of expenses for her family when she fell on hard times.
“(Cyrus) found us placement until we found permanent housing, gave me the deposit, covered me for 6 months so I can get on my feet!” Freeman tweeted. “@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!”
Just when my heart misses u so much I don’t think I can stand it …. I remember something special…. nothing ends for us tonight …. it BEGINS! Our friendship is infinite! I love u to the moon, my STAR! J + M = 4EVR @janice_freeman pic.twitter.com/EFFIwAiZdF
— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) November 29, 2017
Cyrus took to her Instagram Stories to mourn her friend and former team member. Sharing a picture of a rainbow Sunday, the “Wrecking Ball” singer wrote: “Thank you @janicefreeman … for everything. This represents you perfectly.”
Hudson also paid tribute to Freeman.
“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!” the former “Voice” coach wrote on Instagram Sunday. “My heart and prayers go out to @janicefreeman daughter and family!”
Freeman is survived by her husband Dion, her 12-year-old daughter Hannah, her mother Janice, and brothers and sisters, according to her management team.
“Her friends and family greatly appreciate your prayers, calls, and texts during this time, and ask that they be given space to remember everything that Janice was to them as they process and mourn her loss,” the statement from Freeman’s management added.
