Willie Spence: Photos Of The Late ‘American Idol’ Singer

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October 12, 2022 11:45AM EDT

Willie Spence has died in a tragic car accident. Honor his life in photos here.

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Willie Spence: A Life In Photos

Willie Spence: A Life In Photos — A talent taken from the world too soon. Willie Spence, runner-up of American Idol season 19, has died at age 23. The singer died after sustaining grave injuries in a Tennessee-area car accident on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2022, according to reports.

Idol alum Katharine McPhee confirmed the news on her Instagram, sharing, “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.” The star added, “God rest your soul Willie. It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.”

Tragically, Willie had posted a video singing in his car not long before the accident. He was singing the devotional song “You Are My Hiding Place.”

Willie was a favorite during season 19 of American Idol. During the finale, he performed “Georgia on My Mind”, “A Change is Gonna Come” and “Stand Up.” Though a great performance, Chayce Beckham ended up earning more votes from the judges, making him that year’s Idol.

Fans, friends and colleagues are mourning Willie’s death. Remember the artist in photos here.

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Willie Spence On Thanksgiving Parade Float

Willie Spence On Thanksgiving Parade Float — Willie Spence performs during the Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia in Nov. 2021. He stood aboard a candy float while performing for the crowds of people.

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Willie Spence Performing In Atlanta

Willie Spence Performing In Atlanta — Willie Spence takes the stage at the Symphony Hall in Atlanta, Georgia in Aug. 2021. The performance came just two months after he concluded American Idol.

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Willie Spence Croons

Willie Spence Croons — Willie Spence had huge stage presence. He’s seen rocking a satin jacket and singing his heart out here.

During his audition, he told the judges about his passion for performing. “I do this for me, but not only for me, I do this for my family,” he said. “They’ve always supported me, they’ve been there from the very beginning.”

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Willie Spence Takes The Stage

Willie Spence Takes The Stage — Willie Spence sang the Rihanna song “Diamonds” for his first Idol audition. Judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie all sent him to the next round.

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‘Idol’s Final 3

‘Idol’s Final 3 — Willie Spence (center), appears with fellow American Idol finalists Grace Kinstler and Chayce Beckham. Chayce would take the top honor, which also included a deal with Hollywood Records, the record label owned by Disney.

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Willie Spence In Concert

Willie Spence In Concert — Willie Spence had some big performances. He took the stage at Atlanta’s Symphony Hall on Aug. 14, 2021.

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Willie Spence

Willie Spence — Some of music’s greats praised Willie Spence’s voice. Lionel Richie told the singer that his rendition of “Georgia, On My Mind” was a “religious experience.” “You do it every time,” he said. “You know how to build it. That was a great performance.”

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