Talent Recap

‘American Idol’ Star Willie Spence Passes Away at 23 Years Old

American-Idol-Original-Songs-American-Idol-Arthur-Gunn-Casey-Bishop-Hunter-Metts-Chayce-Beckham-Grace-Kinstler-Willie-SpenceABC/Eric McCandless

Reading Time: 2 minutes

It’s a sad day for American Idol fans everywhere. Season 19 runner up Willie Spence, has reportedly passed away following a car accident in Tennessee. Here’s everything we know.


Willie Spence Reportedly Passes Away At the Age of 23

According to various local sources, American Idol runner up Willie Spence has passed away following a car accident in Tennessee. Although many of the details of the car accident have yet to be revealed, it has been announced that Spence was severely injured after the accident and all efforts were made to save him.

Reportedly his family and loved ones have been informed of his death. At this time, Spence’s family has not released an official statement about his death. Instead, his former duet partner Katharine McPhee mourned the singer on her Instagram story.

“I received very tragic news tonight. Sweet Willie Spence passed away in a car accident. Only 23 years old. Life is so unfair and nothing is ever promised. God rest your soul Willie. It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you,” she wrote.


Following her tribute, she shared Spence’s final Instagram video to her story, writing “he posted this right before his accident.”

Fans and other American Idol alum have shared their tributes in the comment section of this post. There’s no denying that Spence was a bright light in this sometimes dull world. It’s so sad to hear of him passing so young. We wish his family all the love in the world through this hard time.

Who Was Willie Spence?

Willie Spence rose to fame as part of season 19 of American Idol. The singer auditioned in San Diego, California, where he impressed the judges with his rendition of “Diamonds” by Rihanna. Throughout each round of the competition, it was clear that Spence had the “it” factor and was destined to become a star.


His impressive covers earned him America’s vote in each week of the competition. In the end of the season, Spence won second place behind Chayce Beckham. Following his time on the series, he released three singles and a six-track EP. He even won the Talent Recap Fan Choice Award for Favorite Contestant.

Spence’s last American Idol appearance took place during the landmark season celebration earlier this year. Within the special, he sang alongside fellow season 19 singer Grace Kinstler. Before Spence’s sudden death, he was set to perform alongside Lois Moodie, Emmanuel Smith, Loxton Mitchell, and Kieron Daniel in London on November 12.

Let us know what you feel about this article
+1
29
+1
37
+1
0
+1
2
+1
23
+1
61

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
6 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Boomdia Treasures
Boomdia Treasures
2 years ago

Very Sad to hear this. RIP Willie Your light shined so Bright just like a Diamond in this World.

Robert Thomas
Robert Thomas
2 years ago

Willie God blessed u with a beautiful Voice Rest easy my Friend…

Husni
Husni
2 years ago

This is terrible. You are never guaranteed to wake up, and never guaranteed to lay in your bed at night. Don’t think that you will live forever. Your life is not guaranteed. You can go at any moment.

Lue Lee
Lue Lee
10 months ago

God has an angel, that has a heart of gold and sings with glory!!!

Bakhat
Bakhat
2 years ago

Heaven

rom
jesous
10 months ago

nice

Calling all Talent Enthusiasts!

Subscribe to the Talent Recap Newsletter for all Talent News, and/or subscribe to our EXCLUSIVE America's Got Talent Newsletter for all the latest AGT Scoop!

Enter your email address in the box below, click "Subscribe", and find the latest news delivered to your inbox weekly. Be prepared to experience the thrill, the drama, and the sheer talent that all of these shows have to offer!
Choose the news YOU want
6
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x