Willie Spence, a Season 19 runner-up of American Idol, was killed in a car accident on October 11, in Tennessee. After the news  spread on social platforms, Spence’s family received condolences from the fans who were dismayed and shocked. 

Career

Spence participated in the 2021 American Idol season 19. For the first audition, he sang Rihanna’s Diamond for the show in his soft yet, powerful tone. As he got ‘Yes’ from all three judges, Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie, he was set forth for the next rounds. With his extraordinary singing talent, Spence could become one of the top four contestants in the show.

Also Read| Blake Shelton leaving The Voice: Niall Horan, and Chance the Rapper join as coaches

Among the finalists Chayce Beckam and Grace Kinstler, the Floridian singer became the runner-up, after Chayce Beckam who won season 19.  From there, his career took off and he started gaining more followers and fans across all platforms like Instagram, Youtube, and Twitter. He dropped many singles after that, including So Gone, Forever More, Reckless, Champion, and Notice Me.

Family

Willie Spence was born on June 18, 1999, in West Palm, Florida. He was raised by his parents Willie Spence Sr. and Sharon Spence. The couple greatly supported Spence in his musical aspirations. In 2021, while interviewing with WALB News 10, his mom said “..his voice is being heard right now all over the world”. She also said that she nurtured Willie in the womb through singing, so they knew that music is in his future. 

Also Read| Earthquake hits parts of Central Maryland, United States

After Willie Spence got the second position in American Idol, her mother acclaimed that “It happened the way it was supposed to happen and he’s number two in American Idol but he’s at number one to us”. He started his career as a singer at the young age of three and grew up singing at his grandfather’s church in Florida. Soon after this, he started posting his song covers on social platforms. 

He completed his higher education at Coffee High School in Georgia. Also, he enrolled himself at Florida State University for his educational endeavours ahead.

Age

Willie Spence turned 23 this year. 

Also Read| What is ‘Burnt Hair’, Elon Musk’s new fragrance?

Net Worth

Deemed an Instagram influencer, Willie Spence held a net worth of approximately $3-4 million to his name, according to thetecheducation.com.