American Idol fans were handed a shock on Tuesday, October 11, when news emerged that the show’s former runner-up Willie Spence reportedly died in a car accident in Tennesee. He was 23-year-old when the accident took place.

Spence was immensely popular among American Idol fans as well as judges, as was evident from the show. The news of his death was first reported by news outlet Douglas Now on Facebook on October 11, 2022.

Also Read: Willie Spence, former American Idol star, dies in car accident: Report

“DouglasNow has learned that Douglas native and American Idol Season 19 runner-up Willie Spence, 23, has passed away due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident in Tennessee,” a Facebook post by Douglas Now read.

Who was Willie Spence?

Willie Spence was an American singer who participated in American Idol season 19 in 2021, where he finished as runner-up. He died in a car accident on Tuesday, October 11, 2022, in Tennessee. 

Spence auditioned for a spot in the American Idol season 19 main round in San Diego, where he performed Rihanna’s single “Diamonds.” His performance received positive reviews from all three judges — Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, all of whom voted “Yes” which sent him to the following round.

In the next round, Willie Spence went on to sing John Legend’s immensely popular single “All of Me” before performing in a duet with Ky Monee in the song “Stay” By Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko. He also sang Beyonce’s “I was Here” in the showstoppers round of American Idol, which gained him traction before the judges voted him as a Top 24 semifinalist.

Also Read: Kaley Cuoco, of Big Bang Theory fame, announces pregnancy with boyfriend Tom Pelphrey

The young singer went on to sing Better Midler’s “Wind Beneath My Wings”, before performing in Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli’s “The Prayer” in a show-stopping duet along with Katharine McPhee.

He later went on to the finals of American Idol season 19 after gaining immense popularity in the previous rounds. He sang Sam Cooke’s song “A Change is Gonna Come” and Cynthia Erivo’s “Stand Up” in the finale. While Spence received more votes than fellow co-participant Grace Kinstler, he received fewer than eventual winner Chayce Beckham and finished as the runner-up.