‘American Idol’ Judges Mourn Willie Spence’s Demise – Hollywood Life

Luke Bryan honored Willie Spence, after the singer was tragically killed in a automotive crash on Tuesday, October 11. The American Idol choose took to social media to mourn the season 19 runner-up, after his sudden, surprising passing at 23. The nation singer shared a tribute to the singer from the present on Instagram. “Willie actually did gentle up each room he walked into,” he started his tribute.

Luke continued and admired how shifting Willie’s voice was to all who received to listen to him and see his expertise. “He might change the temper immediately when he began singing. He’ll really be missed,” he wrote. Moreover the choose, Ryan Seacrest additionally mourned the singer’s passing in an Instagram Story. He shared the identical video tribute and wrote a heartfelt message. “All people on and off set beloved him,” he wrote. “You’ll be deeply missed.”

Willie died in a automotive accident on Tuesday. His passing was first reported by native information outlet Douglas Now.  “DouglasNow has realized that Douglas native and American Idol Season 19 runner-up Willie Spence, 23, has handed away attributable to accidents sustained in an vehicle accident in Tennessee. We’ve got no additional particulars right now. We prolong our condolences to Willie’s household, pals, and followers. He was a rare expertise and a ray of sunshine to tens of millions internationally. He might be missed,” the outlet wrote in a Fb submit.

Willie was the runner-up in season 19 of Idol, coming in second place to winner Chayce Beckham. Throughout his time on the present, Willie wow-ed audiences with spectacular renditions of hits like “Set Fireplace To The Rain” by Adele and “Diamonds” by Rihanna in addition to many extra songs. One of many singer’s most notable performances was his duet with Katharine McPhee, the place they sang Celine Dion’s “The Prayer.”

After Willie’s passing was first reported, Katharine took to her Instagram to share a shifting tribute to him. She re-posted one of many clips of them talking on the present and in addition wrote a shifting tribute to the younger singer. “I obtained very tragic information tonight. Candy Willie Spence handed away in a automotive accident. Solely 23 years previous. Life is so unfair and nothing is ever promised,” she wrote. “God relaxation your soul Willie. It was a pleasure to sing with you and know you.”

Katharine additionally shared an Instagram clip of Willie singing the Christian tune “You Are My Hiding Place” by Selah to her story. The video was posted simply hours earlier than his passing, and it confirmed off his highly effective and shifting voice. Many followers posted the clip following the information of his loss of life.

Following his second-place victory on Idol, Willie spoke to HollywoodLife about how excited he was for the subsequent steps in his profession, and he spoke about how the present impressed him to work even more durable. “Beginning tomorrow, I’m going to push more durable and nonetheless be doing music,” he mentioned. “Earlier than American Idol, I didn’t consider in myself as a lot as I ought to have as an artist, and [the show] has positively helped me with confidence and helped me consider in myself extra. I really feel like that’s all I want for my profession to take off. I simply must consider in myself slightly extra.”