‘American Idol’ Music Supervisor Robin Kaye to Be Honored Posthumously

The Guild of Music Supervisors will posthumously honor Robin Kaye — who was tragically killed during a home invasion in July 2025 along with her husband, Thomas DeLuca — with its Legacy Award at the 16th Annual Guild of Music Supervisors Awards on Feb. 28 at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles.

Kaye was a trailblazing music supervisor known for her work on major film and television projects, including American Idol, where she spent much of her career working with finalists on song selection and clearances. In helping shape the sound of one of the most influential music programs in television history, she became a respected leader in the music community.

Kaye and DeLuca were fatally shot at their Encino, California home in July 2025 in what authorities believe was a burglary-related incident. An arrest of 22-year-old Raymond Boodarian followed. Authorities declared Boodarian “mentally incompetent to stand trial” on murder charges and he received orders for committal to a state hospital.

The Legacy Award is presented to a music supervisor whose career has made a lasting impact on the industry. Previous recipients include Allan Mason, Bonnie Greenberg, Mitchell Leib, Pilar McCurry, Maureen Crowe, Bob Hunka, Joel Sill, Gary Lemel, and Chris Montan.

The Guild’s Vice President Heather Guibert reflected on Kaye’s legacy. “Robin was a valued board member and Vice President of the Guild of Music Supervisors, a respected pioneer of our music supervision and synch community, and a thoughtful friend and mentor to us all,” she said in announcing the honor. “Her passion for music and dedication to the craft will forever be remembered.”

The Guild will also present its Icon Award to Raphael Saadiq, recognizing his lasting influence on both the music and visual media industries. The Icon Award honors artists whose work has helped shape the relationship between music and storytelling. Previous honorees include Quincy Jones, Burt Bacharach, Kenny Loggins, Marc Shaiman, and Stephen Schwartz.

Saadiq is an Academy Award–nominated singer (for Best Original Song in the film Mudbound), and a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. Saadiq’s career spans more than three decades — from his role as a founding member of Tony! Toni! Toné! to acclaimed solo and composing work as well as collaborations across mutliple genres.

“Music plays such an important role in how stories are told on screen,” Saadiq said in a statement. “To be recognized by a community that celebrates that connection means a great deal to me.”