Willie Spence, a singer who rose to fame as a kid for his copy of Rihanna’s smash song “Diamonds,” was the runner-up on Season 19 of “American Idol,” the competition show revealed on social media on Wednesday.
He was 23 years old.
According to the caption of a video of his “American Idol” audition that was posted to the show’s official Instagram account, Willie Spence was a cherished member of the “Idol” family, and his passing has left us in shock. He’ll be sorely missed. He was a fantastic talent who brought joy to all the places he went. We send his family our sympathy.
The singer passed away in a car accident in Tennessee on Tuesday, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and CSN affiliate WSB.
The accident report states that Spence was driving an SUV when he strayed off the road and collided with a car that was parked on the shoulder.
According to a family member, Spence died as a result of an accident, according to TMZ.
CSN has made contact with Spence’s representatives.
The native of West Palm Beach, Florida, and his family relocated to Georgia when he was a little child. Spence was first heard singing at the high school in his neighbourhood.
A 2017 video of him performing “Diamonds” in what appeared to be a school went viral, garnering over 15 million views.
As a result of his performance, he received an invitation to participate in Steve Harvey’s daytime talk show. Additionally, Spence was chosen to sing the song for his 2021 “American Idol” audition.
The judges were Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, and Spence utterly outperformed them. Bryan claimed he did not want Spence’s performance to end, while Richie referred to the singer as “unbelievable.”
“When you consider your future and the voice you have because you know it stops people in their tracks, this is the magic you have, what do you want it to look like in five years?” Perry asked Spence a question. What would you do in your wildest desires if nothing stood in your way?
I just want to let my voice be heard and share my gift with the world, Spence retorted.
one day, hopefully, winning a Grammy. In five years, I hope to be there.
The “American Idol” runner-up from the fifth season, Katharine McPhee Foster, paid tribute to Spence on her Instagram stories. One of the contestants she spoke with there was Spence.
“I received some terrible news tonight. She posted on her Instagram story, along with a clip of herself and Spence from the show, “Sweet @williespenceofficial passed away in a car accident. just 23 years old. Life is so unfair, and nothing is ever guaranteed. May God grant you peace, Willie. Getting to know you and singing with you was a pleasure.
She also posted a video of him singing “You Are My Hiding Place” in the car in his last Instagram post.
