Singer and Canadian Idol judge Sass Jordan dies aged 63

Singer Sass Jordan has died (Picture: Steve Galli/Shutterstock) Singer Sass Jordan has died aged 63, her friends and family have confirmed. The British-born, Canadian-raised star was known for serving as a judge on all six seasons of Canadian Idol from 2003 to 2008. Her own debut single and album, both titled Tell Somebody, released in 1988, won her Canada’s prestigious Juno Award for most promising female vocalist. Announcing her death, her loved ones wrote on her Instagram page, alongside a photo of Jordan holding her cat: ‘On 2 October 2026, surrounded by her loving family, Sass Jordan peacefully crossed over to the other side. ‘She remains in our hearts, an inimitable force of nature. An irreplaceable being of light and joy!’ Deep Purple’s Glenn Hughes shared that he was ‘heartbroken’. She was born in Birmingham and raised in Montreal (Picture: Paul Bergen/Redferns) ‘So suddenly, I’m heartbroken. A true friend. We had so much love, joy and laughter, and music together. RIP My Sasseroonie Girl,’ he posted. ‘Love you, sweet lady. Love you forever,’ Canadian alternative rock icon Bif Naked penned. The Go-Go’s Kathy Valentine shared: ‘Very sad news, Sass was such a powerhouse, a natural.’ Former Idol contestant Rex Goudie hailed Jordan as an ‘absolute force of nature’ with ‘an incomparable voice’. Goudie was among the stars mentored by Jordan, as were Craig Sharpe and Jason Greeley. Jordan’s cause of death has not been disclosed. Last month, she cancelled performances in Ontario and Quebec City, citing health issues as she ‘stepped away’ from the spotlight. The Thunder Bay Auditorium, where she was slated to appear, informed fans via a statement on social media. ‘Unfortunately, due to a serious medical condition, Sass is currently unable to perform and has been advised to step away from all professional commitments for the remainder of 2026 to focus on her health and recovery. ‘At this time, the length of her recovery is uncertain, so we are not in a position to discuss rescheduling or new dates.’ They added: ‘Sass is very sorry for the inconvenience and disappointment this may cause and greatly appreciates your understanding under these circumstances.’ The platinum-selling blues-rock artist had a huge impact on the Canadian music scene both with her own songwriting and performing, plus her TV mentoring duties of aspiring stars. Jordan was instrumental on the Canadian music scene (Picture: Norm Betts/Shutterstock) In the 90s, she famously recruited a 22-year-old Taylor Hawkins to play drums in her touring band, an experience he credits for helping to shape his career ahead of joining Foo Fighters. He said she taught him ‘how to be in a rock and roll band’ and gave him his ‘first rock and roll check’. Following the award-winning Tell Somebody, Jordan released her second album, Racine, in 1990, having relocated to Los Angeles. It spawned a string of radio hits, including Make You a Believer, I Want to Believe, You Don’t Have to Remind Me, and Goin’ Back Again, and sold an estimated 450,000 copies worldwide. Also in the 90s, she duetted with Joe Cocker for The Bodyguard, with the support of Kevin Costner, on Trust in Me, which became a blockbuster smash soundtrack and sold over 45 million copies. This exposure was instrumental in helping Jordan secure opening slots on tours with Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, and Van Halen. Born in Birmingham, she expressed a passion for music from an early age, with her family describing how, as a young teen, she ‘sang and played guitar with friends in Westmount Park, and by 16 she was fronting bands in downtown Montreal clubs, later becoming singer and bassist for local favourites The Pinups’. They explained how she drew inspiration from a range of music legends, including Sir Rod Stewart, Ozzy Osbourne, Chaka Khan, Gladys Knight, and Aretha Franklin. Jordan ‘especially studied’ male rock vocalists, including Steven Tyler, Robert Palmer, Paul Rodgers, Lou Gramm, Robin Zander, and Lowell George of Little Feat. Arrow MORE: Chad Lowe’s eldest daughter shares heartbreaking tribute after death of sister Fiona, 13 Arrow MORE: Gypsy Rose Blanchard and partner Ken Urker split before death, his sister claims Arrow MORE: Chad Lowe’s daughter Fiona’s cause of death at age 13 revealed Switched On Get plugged into the week’s must-watch shows, unmissable moments, and expert reviews with Metro TV Editor Sabrina Barr.