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‘American Idol’ Runner-Up Willie Spence Dies At 23
Talented crooner Spence died from injuries sustained in a car accident.
“American Idol” runner-up Willie Spence has died at 23 from injuries sustained in a car accident. The show announced his passing via a statement on Twitter, revealing he was a true talent who lit up every room he stepped in and will be deeply missed.
At the time of the accident, the talented crooner was reportedly in Tennessee.
“We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American idol family member, Willie Spence. He was a true talent who lit up every room he entered and will be deeply missed. We send our condolences to his loved ones,” the show wrote. Spence sang songs “Georgia On My Mind,” “Stand Up,” and A Change Is Gonna Come” during the Season 19 finale of the show.
Katherine McPhee [pictured below], who had performed a duet with him, has also posted clips mourning him via her Instagram Story, writing above a video of her & Spence meeting: “I received very tragic news tonight. Sweet @williespenceofficial passed away in a car accident. Only 23 years old. Life is so unfair, and nothing is ever promised.”
McPhee added: “God rest your soul Willie. It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.”
The 38-Year-Old added a series of broken-heart emojis to her post and reposted Spence’s last video, which showed him belting out a Christian song in a car. She continued: “He posted this right before the accident [sobbing emoji].” Film producer Randall Emmett also paid tribute to Spence, writing over a photo: “My heart is broken and my prayers go out to his family.”
Randall added: “I was lucky to have him sing for me to live at my home and other events, I will miss you my friend. I know you touched so many of us. I’m heart broken.”
Fans and followers have flooded Spence’s post with comments upon hearing about the tragic accident, with one writing: “Fly and sing with the angels and dance amongst the stars friend! RIH.” Another commented: “OMG I am so at a loss for words. Not you Willie [heart-broken emojis]. Wow [crying emoji] Rest in Paradise, King.”
Though Spence’s performance moved the judges, he garnered fewer votes than Chayce Beckham, who emerged as the American Idol.
