Willie Spence was honored online following reports of his death in a fatal auto crash earlier in the week. The American Idol singer was 23.
Spence's Jeep Cherokee went off the road in Jasper, Tennessee, at approximately 4 p.m. on Tuesday, crashing into a vehicle parked on the shoulder, according to WSB-TV. Spence was killed in the accident, but the other driver, Raymond Kresl, 68, was not injured, WSB-TV said. The other vehicle was a tractor trailer, according to WGXA-TV.
Hours before the crash, Spence shared a video to his Instagram account, where he sang the gospel song, "You Are My Hiding Place," while in his car. The song was written by Carol Cymbala, the choir director of the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, and popularized by the group Selah.
Spence was scheduled to perform in London for the first time on November 12 at the Trinity Baptist Church Oasis House.
He rose to fame on Season 19 of American Idol, singing a version of "Diamonds" by Rihanna for his audition—the same song he sang in a 2017 viral video that launched his career. That initial video has been viewed almost 15.9 million times since it was posted.
His viral success led to spots on Steve, the daytime talk show hosted by comedian Steve Harvey, and ultimately his run on American Idol. Spence rose to the top three finalists, ultimately coming in second behind Chayce Beckham last year.
Tributes poured in for the beloved singer after his death was confirmed Wednesday.
"We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence. 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," American Idol shared on Twitter, with a picture from one of Spence's performances.
"Everybody on and off set loved him. @Williespence you'll be deeply missed," American Idol host Ryan Seacrest tweeted, adding a broken heart emoji.
"Dear God rip sweet Willie Spence [broken heart emoji]" fellow American Idol contestant Mickey Guyton wrote.
"Willie Spence was a force of nature. His voice inspired so many, and moved the hearts of everyone that heard him. My heart goes out to Willie's family and friends, he will be missed. The world lost a beautiful soul, but his music will live on forever. [blue heart emoji]," Fritz Hager, who placed in the Top 5 of the following American Idol season, wrote.
Beckham wrote a long tribute to his fellow contestant on his Instagram.
"It's hard to find the words to say here, other than I loved Willie very much. He was a good sweet soul, and a warm beam of light in a cold and dark world that needed him so much," Beckham wrote. "When willie sang I swear it would shake a whole room. I think Willie had a voice that God gave him specifically to spread his message, when Willie sang gospel it could make you cry.
"Willie also had a laugh that could make you melt, an honest humor you couldn't help but love, and the biggest heart you could imagine all wrapped up into one human. His larger than life energy was infectious and I loved being around him," he continued. "My thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans, who I know he loved so much, and who he held close to his heart. I can't wait to sing with you in Paradise, where I know I'll see you again. Rest In Peace brother."
Newsweek reached out to ABC for comment.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
About the writer
Matt Keeley is a Newsweek editor based in Seattle. His focus is reporting on trends and internet culture. He has ... Read more
