Willie Spence, who finished in second place on Season 19 of “American Idol,” has died. He was 23.
The singing competition show issued a statement on Spence’s death in a tribute post on Instagram Wednesday.
“We are devastated about the passing of our beloved ‘American Idol’ family member, Willie Spence,” read the post, featuring video from his audition. “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.”
The singer was killed in a car accident in Tennessee on Tuesday, Spence was driving an SUV when he went off the road and crashed into a car that was stopped on the shoulder, according to the accident report.
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
TMZ also reported that a family member confirmed to them that Spence died after a crash.
According to authorities, Spence’s 2019 Jeep Cherokee “left the roadway” and hit the back of a tractor-trailer stopped on the shoulder east of Interstate 24 at the 147 mile marker.
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Spence began his “Idol” journey by singing Rihanna’s “Diamonds” for his audition that aired in February 2021, with judge Lionel Richie calling him “an undeniable star.” From then he consistently wowed judges and became the runner-up, losing to “Idol” winner Chayce Beckham.
