“Tragic Loss”: Willie Spence, Beloved American Idol Runner-Up, Dies in US Car Crash

Willie Spence is a well-known American singer, TV show host, media face, YouTuber, lyricist, Internet star, and social media influencer. After being on Season 19 of American Idol, he became well-known. He is one of the top three people on the show.

Spence put videos online of himself singing when he was in high school. In 2017, a video of him singing “Diamonds” by Rihanna that he had posted on YouTube went viral, getting more than 15 million views. This got him a lot of attention, and he even went on Steve, the talk show hosted by Steve Harvey.

Willie Spence was on American Idol

Willie Spence was 21 years old when he went on “American Idol.” His powerful voice wowed the judges and the audience in every round of Season 19.

The Deseret News said that “Idol” judge Lionel Richie said, “I can’t even stand still,” after Spence sang Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain” and moved on to the top 12 of the show. “It was an outstanding show.” Katy Perry added, “Every note was thought out.” “It seemed like God was working through you, and it was beautiful to see you step into your power.”

Spence also sang “Circle of Life” from “The Lion King,” which blew away all three judges and put him in the top seven of the show. According to Deseret News, Bryan said, “You just have the magic.” “Man, it’s the best thing in the world when you hit those big notes.”

Richie said, “You have that voice.” “If you sang the phone book, it would be yours.”

Spence came in second place on “American Idol” behind Chayce Beckham.

“We are heartbroken that our beloved American Idol family member Willie Spence has died,” the show said in a statement on social media Wednesday. “He was a real talent who made every room he walked into brighter. He will be sorely missed.”

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American Idol runner-up Willie Spence dies in US car crash

A report from the Tennessee Highway Patrol and the Marion County medical examiner said that the 23-year-old singer died when his Jeep Cherokee “left the roadway” and hit the back of a tractor-trailer that was stopped on the hard shoulder near Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Chayce Beckham won season 19 of American Idol. Spence, who was from Georgia, came in second. According to the report, both Spence and the 68-year-old driver of the tractor-trailer were wearing seat belts.

The cause of death, according to Marion County medical examiner Barbara O’Neal, was “multisystem trauma due to motor vehicle accident.” Spence was pronounced dead at the scene on Tuesday.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is looking into why Spence’s car went off the road, a spokesperson said. In a statement, the singing competition show said that Spence “was a true talent who brightened every room he entered.” “We are heartbroken about the death of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence,” the statement said. “Our hearts go out to his family and friends.”

Alyssa Wray, another American Idol star, wrote on Instagram that she was “so heartbroken” and that Spence had a “soul that people were drawn to.” Spence’s journey on the show started with his audition, where he sang Diamonds by Rihanna for Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan.

Spence posted a video of himself singing “You Are My Hiding Place” on his Instagram page a few hours before the crash. Under his most recent post, many people have left tributes.

Personal Life

Willie Spence was born in the United States, in West Palm Beach, on June 18, 1999. He lives with his family in Douglas, Georgia, right now.

Willie started singing when he was only three years old. His mother and grandfather have always told him that he should try to become a singer. He was on the 19th season of the popular American singing show American Idol. He also posts a lot of singing videos on his own YouTube channel.

Spencer went to try out for American Idol in San Diego, California. “Diamonds” by Rihanna was the song he sang. All of the judges were blown away by how powerful and smooth his voice was. He was picked to be on American Idol and is now one of the top three singers on the show.

Willie joined YouTube on July 1, 2016, and as of May 20, 2021, he had 548k subscribers and 46 million views. A friend made his first video, which was called “Diamond.” As of May 2021, 12 million people have watched this video.

On January 19, 2021, he also put his first single, “So Gone,” on his YouTube channel. Ocean and Luh Kel, who are both well-known, are in Spencer’s music video. He has also sung many songs, including Chance on Me, Reckless, One Minute with God, Forever More, Champion, and Notice Me.

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Final Words