'American Idol' Runner-up Willie Spence Has Died
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Willie Spence died tragically in car crash at 23.
American Idol runner-up Willie Spence has died. According to TMZ, he was killed in a car crash. He was 23.
TMZ reports that the singer was in Tennessee on Tuesday returning home to Atlanta when he crashed into a semitruck that was parked on the side of the road. Earlier in the day, he had had a flat tire, which he changed. No word yet on whether or not that was the cause of the fatal accident.
Related: Watch the 'Unbelievable' American Idol Contestant Who Lost 200 Pounds Before His Audition
Willie was a fan favorite, finishing second behind Chayce Beckham on season 4 on ABC (season 19) of American Idol. For his audition, he sang “Diamonds” by Rihanna, and left the judges walking out of the audition room with smiles on their faces after awarding him a golden ticket to Hollywood.
He traveled from Georgia to San Diego to audition and he said at that time, “I came here because this is what I want to do. I don’t see myself being anything other than a singer. Music has always been a passion to me. To even have this opportunity to audition for American Idol is such a blessing.”
Willie is already getting tributes from fellow Idols, including Katharine McPhee, who dueted with Willie on the Idol finale, and wrote on Instagram: “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. God rest your soul Willie. It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.”
