Learning of the recent passing of American Idol’s Willie Spence is a difficult time for everyone he knew in life and the millions of people who watched his live performances. He instantly went viral after performing his rendition of Rihanna’s “Diamonds” during season 19. Those who tuned in were welcomed with several great performances. Sadly, American Idol confirmed on social media Wednesday that he has passed at the age of 23.
“We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence,” American Idol posted on Instagram. “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.”
According to CNN and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the singer lost his life after a car accident in Tennessee on Tuesday.
Looking at his time on American Idol in retrospect, one can’t help but to remember his audition on the show. Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan found his singing to be “unbelievable.”
“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 the singer. “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 said. “Hopefully winning a Grammy one day. That’s where I see myself in five years.”
On one episode of American Idol Spence sang a duet with Idol-alumni Katharine McPhee Foster.
“I received very tragic news tonight. Sweet @williespenceofficial passed away in a car accident,” she wrote on Instastory with a video of she and Spence singing their duet. “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 last Instagram posting, a video of him performing the Christian song “You Are My Hiding Place.”