Willie Spence, Singer & ‘American Idol’ Runner-Up, Dies In Car Crash At 23

Willie Spence, an R&B singer who was a runner-up in the 19th season of American Idol, died in a car crash at the age of 23 in Tennessee. The Georgia native reportedly crashed into a semi-truck that was parked in front of the road.

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Here is Spence performing the Rihanna song “Diamonds” for his audition and wowing the judges from the very start of his run on the talent competition.

Another one of his most acclaimed performances on the show was when he sang “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke.

Spence placed in second behind season 19 winner Chayce Beckham. Spence had been signed to Red Agency Records, and released an EP The Voice last year amongst his notoriety from the show. He was a supremely talented vocalist, and it’s tragic that he died before he could to share his gift with the world more.

Willie Spence was born in Douglas, Georgia on June 11, 1999. He is survived by his mother Sharon Spence and father Willie Spence Sr.