American Idol’s Willie Spence Lifeless at 23, Katharine McPhee Reacts

Gone too quickly. American Idol alum Willie Spence died after being concerned in a automotive crash. He was 23.

The season 19 runner-up, a local of Douglas, Georgia, “handed away resulting from accidents sustained in an car accident in Tennessee,” native information outlet Douglas Now reported on Tuesday, October 11. “We have now no additional particulars at the moment. We prolong our condolences to Willie’s household, pals, and followers. He was a unprecedented expertise and a ray of sunshine to hundreds of thousands internationally. He might be missed,” the report continued.

Katharine McPhee took to her Instagram Story on Tuesday to share extra about Spence’s passing. “I obtained very tragic information tonight,” the Smash alum, 38, wrote alongside a clip of her assembly the late contestant. “Candy @williespenceofficial handed away in a automotive accident. Solely 23 years outdated.”

The previous Waitress star continued: “Life is so unfair and nothing is ever promised. God relaxation your soul Willie. It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.”

McPhee concluded her message with a number of damaged coronary heart emojis. Alongside her tribute, the season 5 runner-up included a video of herself returning to American Idol as a mentor, which she initially posted through Instagram in April 2021.

“One of many issues I feel is de facto particular about you and that I like about singers is their potential to make you’re feeling such as you’re telling a narrative,” she advised Spence within the alternate as they bonded over shedding family members and dedicating their music to their recollections.

The pair carried out a duet of “The Prayer,” which was written by McPhee’s husband, David Foster. Reflecting on the particular second within the feedback part following Spence’s loss of life, the California native wrote, “Relaxation in heaven Willie. 💔💔💔💔.”

In a subsequent Instagram Story shared on Tuesday, McPhee reposted a video of the late actuality TV contestant singing in his automotive. “He posted this proper earlier than the accident,” she wrote.

Spence’s add was rapidly flooded with feedback in his honor, with the Scorpion alum including, “You’re with Jesus now. God bless you. Grateful for the time we had.”

Caleb Kennedy, one other season 19 finalist, praised his fellow American Idol alum’s expertise. “Your voice will endlessly be in my coronary heart. I’m gonna miss you a lot massive man can’t wait to listen to that voice once I make it up there!! 💔,” the nation crooner commented.

Spence wowed viewers in 2021 throughout his preliminary audition along with his rendition of “Diamonds” by Rihanna, telling judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie about his love of performing. “I do that for me, however not just for me, I do that for my household,” the hopeful star defined. “They’ve all the time supported me. They’ve been there from the very starting.”

The soul singer went on to launch an EP titled The Voice after the competitors and was resulting from carry out in London in November.