Willie Spence, 'American Idol' Season 19 runner-up, useless at 23

Muricas News  — 

Willie Spence, a singer who as a teen went viral along with his rendition of Rihanna’s hit “Diamonds” and was the runner up on Season 19 on “American Idol, has died the present confirmed in a social media posting on Wednesday.

He was 23 years outdated.

“We're devastated in regards to the passing of our beloved American Idol member of the family, Willie Spence,” learn the caption on a video of Spence’s “Idol” audition, posted on the present’s verified Instagram account. “He was a real expertise who lit up each room he entered and can be deeply missed. We ship our condolences to his family members.”

The singer was killed in a automotive accident in Tennessee on Tuesday, based on Muricas News affiliate WSB, citing the Marion County Sheriff’s Workplace.

Spence was driving an SUV when he went off the highway and crashed right into a automotive that was stopped on the shoulder, based on the accident report.

TMZ additionally reported that a member of the family confirmed to them that Spence died after a crash.

Muricas News has reached out to representatives for Spence.

The West Palm Seashore, Florida native relocated along with his household to Georgia as a baby. It was whereas singing in his native highschool that Spence was first found.

A video of him singing “Diamonds” in what gave the impression to be a classroom in 2017 went viral and has since racked up greater than 15 million views on YouTube.

The efficiency landed him an look on Steve Harvey’s daytime discuss present. Spence additionally selected to carry out the tune for his audition for “American Idol” in 2021.

He blew judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan away with Richie declaring Spence “unbelievable” and Bryan saying he didn't need the singer’s efficiency to finish.

“When you concentrate on your future, and you concentrate on the voice you've gotten trigger you understand it stops individuals of their tracks, that is the magic you've gotten, in 5 years what would you like it to appear like?” Perry requested Spence. “In your wildest desires, if nothing was standing in your manner?”

“I simply need my voice to succeed in the world and simply share my present,” Spence replied. “Hopefully successful a Grammy sooner or later. That’s the place I see myself in 5 years.”

“American Idol” fifth season runner up Katharine McPhee Foster took to her Instagram tales to publish a tribute to Spence, who she met on “Idol” throughout his season.

“I obtained very tragic information tonight. Candy @williespenceofficial handed away in a automotive accident,” she wrote on her Instastory together with a video of her and Spence from the present. “Solely 23 years outdated. Life is so unfair and nothing is ever promised. God relaxation your soul Willie. It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.”

She additionally shared his remaining Instagram posting, a video of himself in a automotive singing the Christian tune “You Are My Hiding Place.”