‘American Idol’ Finalist Willie Spence Dies In Fatal Car Crash

American Idol finalist Willie Spence dies in a fatal car crash in Tennessee earlier this week at the age of 23. 

American Idol finalist, Willie Spence, died Tuesday October 11, 2022, after his SUV went off the road and crashed into a car that was stopped on the shoulder, according to the accident report. It was confirmed by a family member that Spence died after the crash, according to TMZ.

Both drivers were wearing seatbelts, and the driver of the other vehicle reportedly wasn’t injured.

Wille Spence was a West Palm Beach, Florida native and relocated with his family to Douglas, Georgia as a child. It was while singing in his local high school that Spence was first discovered.

A video of him singing Rihanna’s “Diamonds” in what appeared to be choir class or rehearsal back in 2017 went viral and has since racked up more than 15 million views on YouTube.

The performance landed him an appearance on Steve Harvey’s daytime talk show. Spence also chose to perform the song for his audition for “American Idol” in 2021.

He blew judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan away with Lionel Richie declaring Spence “unbelievable” and Bryan saying he did not want the singer’s performance to end.

“When you think about your future, and you think about the voice you have cause you know it stops people in their tracks, this is the magic you have, in five years what do you want it to look like?” Perry asked Spence. “In your wildest dreams, if nothing was standing in your way?”

“I just want my voice to reach the world and just share my gift,” Spence replied. “Hopefully winning a Grammy one day. That’s where I see myself in five years.”

American Idol released a statement on their social media platforms with the caption: “We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence. 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.”

We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence. 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. pic.twitter.com/QWrWqf7qQN

— American Idol (@AmericanIdol) October 12, 2022

Singer Luke Bryan, a judge on the show, said Spence “could change the mood instantly when he started singing.”

“He will truly be missed,” Bryan said on Twitter.

Willie really did light up every room he walked into. He could change the mood instantly when he started singing. He will truly be missed. https://t.co/XTqm65UJu0

— Luke Bryan (@lukebryan) October 12, 2022

We send our prayers and condolences to the friends, family and fans of Willie Spence. Rest in peace. Check out a compilation of Willie’s American Idol performances below!

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