Willie Spence

Talented singer Willie Spences died due to injuries from a car accident. The singer was 23-year-old.

The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). The singer himself had posted a tweet stating that he felt pleased to have selected Rihanna’s song "Diamonds" for the audition and that the youngster would never forget this day. [Grace Kinstler](/topic/grace-kinstler), another participant in American Idol, came third. He also sang "A Change is Gonna Come" by [Sam Cooke](/topic/sam-cooke)and "Stand Up" by [Cynthia Erivo](/topic/cynthia-erivo). Willie Spence’s death due to injuries sustained in a car accident has sent shock waves amongst his fans and colleagues alike. [Ray Charles](/topic/ray-charles).

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It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.” A news outlet in his hometown of Douglas, Georgia, broke the sad news, calling the 23-year-old “an extraordinary talent and a ray of light to millions across the world.” Katharine McPhee, who performed a duet with Spence on the show, said she was devastated by the “sweet” singer’s death. “Life is so unfair and nothing is ever promised,” she wrote on social media.

Singer Katharine McPhee, who duetted with Spence on the show, claimed to have been told of Spence's death, writing on Instagram: “I received very tragic news ...

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Willie Spence, runner-up on American Idol season 19, has died in a car accident in Tennessee – tributes are pouring in for the singer.

[penned](https://twitter.com/theRNBdrop/status/1580084648633253888): “RIP to Willie Spence. [before he died](https://www.realitytitbit.com/talent-shows/american-idol-star-deaths-tragedies-car-crash-cancer). [American Idol](https://www.realitytitbit.com/tag/willie-spence) fans are paying tribute to Willie Spence, who died in a car accident in Tennessee. Lionel Richie told Willie he was an “undeniable star” who gave him “chills right from the first note.“ Willie passed away at 23 due to injuries sustained in a car crash in Tennessee on Tuesday, October 11. He captioned his post: “Lord you are my hiding place”🎤🥺.” [DouglasNow](https://www.facebook.com/douglasnowcom/posts/2036095543251721) reports the 23-year-old singer passed away due to injuries sustained in car crash leaving his distraught family heartbroken.

American Idol” runner-up Willie Spence reportedly passed away Tuesday due to injuries from a car accident. He was 23.

[tweeted](https://twitter.com/KobeOverLeBron1/status/1580047325807853569?s=20&t=xf2kocO5RR8aAoS2fSXqtg). It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.” [wrote](https://twitter.com/mandaocn/status/1580045619045048320?s=20&t=c7DRIE8sEm1NAS4VaFTbKw). [tweeted](https://twitter.com/_DearJune/status/1580017166371655680?s=20&t=Hms3_lmblUIUR0CYf47plg). The singer performed a duet with the “American Idol” runner-up during his time on the show. “Life is so unfair and nothing is ever promised.

Willie Spence, killed in a car crash at 23, is mourned by fellow 'American Idol' alum Katharine McPhee on Instagram: 'God rest your soul, Willie.'

“On the first note, I had chills. “Hopefully winning a Grammy one day, that’s where I see myself in five years. Sing with the angels my darling.” ... That was an enjoyable session to watch.” We send our condolences to his loved ones.” It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.” “He was a true talent who lit up every room he entered and will be deeply missed. “I received very tragic news tonight,” McPhee wrote. “Life is so unfair and nothing is ever promised. “I love you Willie,” “American Idol” panelist Katy Perry commented on the post. [the “American Idol” Instagram page](https://www.instagram.com/p/Cjnpz4Is_PH/). The fan-favorite “Idol” contestant was the runner-up in

"American Idol" runner-up Wilie Spence has died at 23 after a fatal car crash.

It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you." Willie posted a video just hours before the crash ... singing hits like "A Change is Gonna Come" and "Georgia on My Mind." Douglas Now was first to report the story. a relative confirms to TMZ. 7:17 AM PT -- A family source tells us Willie had a flat tire at some point Tuesday, but allegedly got it fixed and continued to drive back home to Atlanta from Tennessee.

Former "American Idol" runner-up Willie Spence died at 23 following a car accident on Tuesday, according to a report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol.

It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you." [during his audition](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lD0HU-QW59E) for judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. "It's gonna take hard work, but I feel like I can do it." "Life is so unfair and nothing is ever promised," she wrote. The crash occurred at around 4 p.m. [runner-up](https://people.com/tag/katharine-mcphee/) on season five of "Idol" and [performed a duet](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9NRiOsp7lSI) with Spence on season 19, posted news of the death to her Instagram story.

Willie Spence, who finished in second place on 'American Idol' Season 19, has died.

Spence ultimately reached the finale alongside Grace Kinstler and Chayce Beckham, with Beckham going on to become that year’s winner. Shortly after the news broke, tributes to the performer began to appear on social media, including one from Idol Season 5 runner-up Katharine McPhee, [with whom Spence duetted during Season 19](https://youtu.be/9NRiOsp7lSI?t=151). It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.”

See Katharine McPhee's tribute to the 23-year-old singer, plus the video he posted shortly before his death.

What a bright spirit with an infectious personality and gorgeous voice. Hate to hear reports that American Idol runner up and Douglas, GA native Willie Spence has passed away. But we will see you again,” singer and vocal coach Stevie Mackey wrote. Woodard commented, “Rest in peace willie we love you.” “We will miss your beautiful soul my friend. “I’m so sorry for the world to be robbed of more precious time with you. [October 12, 2022] Rest easy,” wrote singer Will Gittens in an Instagram comment, while former American Idol finalist Michael J. In the video, Spence sits in his car while performing a rendition of the classic worship song “You Are My Hiding Place.” It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.” Singer-songwriter and fellow American Idol runner-up [Katharine McPhee](https://www.tvinsider.com/people/katharine-mcphee/) confirmed the news on her [Instagram Story](https://www.instagram.com/katharinefoster/?hl=en) on Tuesday, October 11, posting a message alongside a video of herself and Spence. “I received very tragic news tonight,” wrote McPhee, who performed a duet with Spence during the Season 19 finale.

Willie Spence, who came in second place in "American Idol" Season 19, has died in a car crash. He was 23.

It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.” Spence and McPhee performed a duet during his time on Season 19. When Perry asked where he sees himself in five years, Spence said he hopes to share his gift with the world and win a Grammy. Judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan praised Spence’s performance, with Bryan saying, “You are a special, special human being.

Spence, 23, finished in second place on season 19 of "American Idol" last year.

Willie Spence, a singer who as a teen went viral with his rendition of Rihanna's hit "Diamonds" and was the runner up on Season 19 on "American Idol, ...

It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.” Sweet @williespenceofficial passed away in a car accident,” she wrote on her Instastory along with a video of her and Spence from the show. “In your wildest dreams, if nothing was standing in your way?” That’s where I see myself in five years.” The West Palm Beach, Florida native relocated with his family to Georgia as a child. We send our condolences to his loved ones.”

Spence came in second on "American Idol" season 19 against Chayce Beckham. ... Beckham and runner-up Willie Spence share what it was like competing on the show, on which Beckham was crowned the winner Sunday night.

"American Idol" judge Katy Perry reacted to the news in the comments, writing, "I love you Willie… "Willie also had a laugh that could make you melt, an honest humor you couldn't help but love, and the biggest heart you could imagine all wrapped up into one human. "We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence," the post's caption read.

Willie Spence, the runner-up on American Idol season 19 died Tuesday after a car accident at around 4 p.m. Tuesday in Marion County.

We send our condolences to his loved ones. We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence. American Idol’s Twitter page said “We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence.

Willie Spence, a Georgia native and former contestant on the reality show "American Idol," has died.

A relative reportedly said Spence had just fixed a flat tire on a drive to Atlanta from Tennessee before he crashed into a tractor-trailer parked on the side of the road. Spence advanced all the way to the final round that season, finishing behind Chayce Beckham. Spence paid tribute to his home state of Georgia with a cover of Ray Charles' "Georgia On My Mind" as part of his performance in the Season 19 finals.

Willie Spence, who finished 2021's Season 19 of "American Idol" in second place with "undeniable" talent, died Oct. 11 in a car crash. He was 23.

"Willie loved the Lord. The whole WORLD loved Willie." Willie loved his friends. Willie loved his family. Willie loved music. Michelle posted on Instagram Wednesday.](https://www.instagram.com/p/CjmM6ctuq02/) "It’s been years of you loving me and me loving you. From then he consistently wowed judges and became the runner-up, losing to "Idol" winner [Chayce Beckham.](https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2021/05/23/american-idol-winner-chayce-beckham-arthur-gunn-absent-from-finale/5236464001/) I was so happy that the world got to experience that amazing gift you have." "We love that voice, and I love where it comes from. We send our condolences to his loved ones." "Honestly, i’m in shock. "We are devastated about the passing of our beloved 'American Idol' family member, Willie Spence," read the post, featuring video from his audition.