‘American Idol’ Runner-Up Uploaded Christian Worship Song In his Final Hours Before Being Killed In Car Crash

Star Willie Spence met with a car accident and died at 23.

Cover Image Source: YouTube/American Idol | ABC

By Zoha Fatima

October 14, 2022

Posted October 14, 2022

"American Idol" runner-up 2021 Willie Spence died in a car crash just hours after posting a video on his Instagram singing a worship song, reports CNN. The Season 19 singing star's death was confirmed by a post of the singer's audition by American Idol on social media. The caption read, "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."

He was killed in a car accident when he was driving an SUV and went off the road crashing into a vehicle in Tennessee at the age of 23, stated CNN affiliate WSB, citing the Marion County Sheriff’s Office accident report. The crash happened around 4 p.m. on I-24 east near Chattanooga and the other vehicle's driver, identified as 68-year-old Raymond Kresl, was not injured. A relative confirmed the same to TMZ. The family source said that Willie had a flat tire at some point Tuesday but allegedly got it fixed and continued to drive back home to Atlanta from Tennessee. The source said Willie crashed into a tractor-trailer that was parked on the side of the road.

American Idol's fifth season runner-up Katharine McPhee Foster also posted on Instagram, to tribute to Spence who she had met on the show during the 19th Season. Along with a video of her and Spence on the show, she also wrote, "I received very tragic news tonight. Sweet @williespenceofficial passed away in a car accident. Only 23 years old. Life is so unfair and nothing is ever promised. God rest your soul Willie. It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you." She also shared his final Instagram posting, a video of himself in a car singing the Christian tune 'You Are My Hiding Place.'

Spence’s cousin posted a heartfelt tribute on Facebook. "To my lil’ cousin who was here a short while but made the biggest impact on people with his Beautiful smile, heart, and your anointed voice. Yes “M " Willie Spence we all know you were here because you impact us all. An angel on Earth returned home take you rest beloved you will be deeply missed and always remembered, your music will live forever. Please pray for our family. To my cousins Sharon and Willie my aunt Ella. The Diamond in the sky has gone Home to his eternal rest. Our memories live on."

Spence was a native of West Palm Beach, Florida but had relocated to Georgia with his family as a child. His voice was first discovered when he sang in his local high school. A video of him singing “Diamonds” in what appeared to be a classroom in 2017 went viral and has since gained more than 15 million views on YouTube. This viral performance made his voice get recognized on Steve Harvey’s daytime talk show. Spence also chose to appear for his audition for American Idol in 2021. His splendid performance blew judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry, and Luke Bryan away with Richie declaring Spence “unbelievable” and Bryan saying he did not want the singer’s performance to end. Fans of the show remember Willie blowing the judges away in season 19, and making it all the way to the finale ... singing hits like 'A Change is Gonna Come' and 'Georgia on My Mind.' "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."