‘American Idol’ Runner-Up Willie Spence Dies in Car Crash

Martin Holmes October 12, 2022, 9:40 am

Willie Spence, a singer who finished as runner-up on Season 19 of American Idol last year, has died. He was 23.

The Douglas, Tennessee native was killed after being involved in a motor vehicle accident, according to a report from local news outlet DouglasNow. Singer-songwriter and fellow American Idol runner-up Katharine McPhee confirmed the news on her Instagram Story on Tuesday, October 11, posting a message alongside a video of herself and Spence.

“I received very tragic news tonight,” wrote McPhee, who performed a duet with Spence during the Season 19 finale. “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.”

Katharine McPhee Instagram

McPhee also directed fans to an Instagram Story which Spence had posted just hours before the tragic accident. In the video, Spence sits in his car while performing a rendition of the classic worship song “You Are My Hiding Place.”

Willie Spence’s last Instagram post was 9 hours ago 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/5NODn1zNbz

— ✨GOT DA SCOOP✨ (@GotDaScoop) October 12, 2022

“Sweet Willie… you deserved the stars and the moon,” McPhee commented on Spence’s most recent Instagram post, where he revealed he was to perform in London for the first time on November 12. “I’m so sorry for the world to be robbed of more precious time with you. You were an absolute Angel. I know you are up there now with the rest of the angels. God rest your soul.”

Many other fans and friends flooded Spence’s social media pages with tributes. “Wow man, you had such a light. Rest easy,” wrote singer Will Gittens in an Instagram comment, while former American Idol finalist Michael J. Woodard commented, “Rest in peace willie we love you.”

“We will miss your beautiful soul my friend. But we will see you again,” singer and vocal coach Stevie Mackey wrote. Singer Naquan Reese added, “Bro our sessions were unmatched man. I’m in disbelief. Life is crazy.”

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Check out more tributes below.

RIP to Willie Spence 🕊

what a talented young man with a beautiful voice!

sending heartfelt condolences & continued prayers to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/LgXebrHDWX

— TRBD 🩸 (@theRNBdrop) October 12, 2022

MY HEART IS BROKEN. God, please be with Willie Spence’s family. I cannot believe this right now. Wow… 💔💔💔💔💔💔💔💔

— Hana Settles (@KobeOverLeBron1) October 12, 2022

Heaven has a new angel. Rest in peace @Williespence and thanks for your support! ♥️🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/m9gYdgVp1z

— South FL Gospel News (@GospelFL) October 12, 2022

so shocked to hear willie spence has passed, he was one of my favourite contestants ever on american idol 💔 the most precious soul and talent, gone too soon. you’re with Jesus now, rest easy 🕊🤍

— jess 🇦🇺🤍 (@shinefromamile) October 12, 2022

Hate to hear reports that American Idol runner up and Douglas, GA native Willie Spence has passed away. What a bright spirit with an infectious personality and gorgeous voice. He made South Georgia so proud 💔 https://t.co/Isa3q3tgkF

— Emileigh Forrester (@EmileighTV) October 12, 2022

K. Michelle Mourns The Passing Of American Idol Season 19 Runner-Up Willie Spence 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/yFAtYK81WI

— The Info Spot (@TheInfoSpot) October 12, 2022