‘American Idol’ Tributes Late Runner Up Willie Spence
ABC/Eric McCandless Reading Time: 4 minutes
The American Idol family is currently healing after the loss of season 19 runner up, Willie Spence. For those who may have missed it, the singer’s death was reported on October 12. It’s believed that he passed away following a car accident in Tennessee.
According to various local sources, American Idol runner up Willie Spence 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.
Since his sudden death was revealed, loads of American Idol alumni have taken to social media to share their love for the late 23 year old. Above all, the show itself has shared a beautiful message for the singer and his family.
“We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence,” the show wrote. “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.”
American Idol Alumni Tribute Willie Spence Through Instagram Stories
Spence was truly an unforgettable act on American Idol. He became a fan favorite because of his beautiful voice and was on the road to success following the show. Since his death was sudden, many were taken aback by the announcement.
Among the American Idol alum tributing the late artist is season 5 star, Katharine McPhee. Soon after finding out about Spence’s death, the singer 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.”
Fellow season 19 star Hunter Metts was also seen posting about Spence on his story. The fellow Top 7 singer wrote “I’m in disbelief. One of the most beautiful souls I’ve ever met – life is so precious. Rest in peace my brother.” Season 20 stand out Emyrson Flora also shared a video of Spence to her story, writing “life is so short. Thank you for being so kind and sharing your amazing gift with the world.”
The standout singer also wrote “At a lost for words – My heart is broken. Thankful for the time and experiences we shared. Rest in peace Willie,” on Spence’s final Instagram post. Other season 19 alumni are seen within the comment section as well.
American Idol Season 19 Top 4 Share Their Love
American Idol is like a family, so it was no surprise to see the other members of season 19’s Top 4 posting about Spence’s death. Casey Bishop posted on her main feed to remember Spence. Since the two were in the Top 4 of the season together, it was no surprise to see such a heartfelt message on her account.
“Willie was so kind, gentle, hilarious, generous, incredibly talented and loved by so many,” she wrote. “His energy was so beautiful & contagious and If you met him, you loved him. I love you so much Willie, so many people do.”
The singer completed her statement, acknowledging that she was in complete shock. Following Bishop’s heartfelt post, Chayce Beckham and Grace Kinstler responded to Spence’s death via Instagram stories. The winner of the season wrote “Love you brother” over a video of him and Spence, and “Rest in Peace King” on top of a video of Spence singing on American Idol.
Beckham also commented “Always singing the truth. Thank you for sharing it with the world. I’m gunna miss you,” on Spence’s final post. Later, Kinstler shared her tribute on both her feed and Instagram Story.
“Thank you for your heart, and thank you for reminding all of us that there’s nothing more refreshing than being authentic and keeping it 100% at all times,” she wrote. “I will miss your laugh, the face you’d make when you didn’t like something or felt uncomfortable, and most of all, the smiles you’d put on the faces and hearts of everyone around you the moment you’d enter a room.”
She also shared the post on her Instagram Story, writing “Rest in peace, Willie. Thank you for being my friend love you so much.”
Such a wonderful person (Willie Spence) sleep well dear one until God wakes you up again(Matthew 5:28,29).