Read 'American Idol' Star Katy Perry’s Heartfelt Response to Willie Spence's Death
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American Idol fans were heartbroken to hear that season 19 runner-up Willie Spence died in a car accident in Tennessee on Tuesday, October 11 at the age of 23.
The news was first announced by the local outlet Douglas Now on Facebook, and was confirmed to TMZ by a family source that the Georgia native crashed into a semi-truck parked on the side of the road as he was driving to Atlanta from Tennessee. Local Fox affiliate WFXL obtained a preliminary accident report which said Willie's Jeep Cherokee crashed into the back of the vehicle around 4 p.m. in the town of Jasper. He was taken to the hospital where he died from his injuries.
According to the family source, Willie had gotten a flat tire fixed earlier in the day but there is no confirmation that it played a role in the tragic accident. Reacting to the news, the American Idol Instagram account posted a clip of Willie's original audition to pay tribute to the late alum.
"We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence," the caption read. "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."
Fellow cast and talent of the ABC singing competition show shared their grief and condolences in the comment section.
"Absolutely heartbreaking. RIP Willie Spence ❤️," wrote Maddie Poppe. "Willie ❤️," added Casey Bishop. "🙏 incredible voice, incredible person. Sending love forever," commented Alyssa Raghu. "I love you Willie… purest soul. Sing with the angels my darling ♥️✨," said American Idol judge Katy Perry to which a follower replied, "Thank you for believing in him…… 👏👏👏 he will be deeply missed."
Fans also stopped by with messages of support and love. "Thank you Willie for blessing us with your incredible voice and sharing your life through it 😔," wrote one individual. "A once-in-a-lifetime talent with an angelic voice. How I wish he would’ve won his season. Rest in peace Willie ❤️❤️❤️," another commented. "Condolences to his family and friends. He truly had an angels voice and heaven just got brighter today," a different person said.
Willie gained popularity when a clip of him singing a rendition of Rihanna's popular song "Diamonds" went viral on Youtube, garnering millions of views. He later tried out for American Idol and wowed the judges during his audition. Country star Luke Bryan said he was a "special human being" and Lionel Richie described him as an "undeniable star."
In 2021, the aspiring artist shared that his dream was to win a Grammy sometime in the next five years. "I just want my voice to reach the world, and just share my gift. It's gonna take hard work, but I feel like I can do it," he said at his AI audition.
Although Willie ended up taking second place in season 19 to winner Chayce Beckham, he was easily one of the most memorable contestants. After the show, he continued singing. According to People, he was in the midst of promoting a show he would be a part of in London on November 12 before he died.
His last social media post was a video of him hours before the accident singing a gospel song which fans in the comments seem to think is one of the best ways to remember him.
"Young Prince, you hit us hard with this one," one person wrote. "Speechless is the word to describe the current mood. Be sure when you sing in heaven that you shine bright like a diamond you are 🙏🏽. Forever our American Idol."
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