‘American Idol’ runner-up Willie Spence died Tuesday after suffering injuries in a car accident, according to reports. he was 23 years old.
The talented crooner was in Tennessee at the time of the accident. Local news outlet Douglas Now.
Singer Katherine McPhee, who duetted with Spence during her Season 19 appearance, confirmed the news on her Instagram story and posted a video in tribute to him.
“Tonight we received some very tragic news,” she wrote, above a video of her meeting with Spence. “Sweet @williespenceofficial died in a car crash. Unfair and promised nothing.
“God rest Willie’s soul. It was an honor to sing with you and to know you.”
McPhee, 38, added a series of heartbreak emojis and reposted the last video Spence shared. It shows him yelling a Christian song in his car just before the accident.
“He posted this just before the accident [sobbing emoji]added McPhee.
Fans and followers have already flooded the posts with comments mourning Spence’s tragic accident.
She commented, “Let’s fly in the sky and sing with the angels and dance among the stars! RIH 🥺🕊️✨”.
“Oh I’m speechless. Not Willie! 💔💔💔 Wow… 😭🕊️ rest in paradise 😔, my king,” the actor commented.
Film producer Randall Emmett also paid tribute to his “friend” on an Instagram story.
“My heart breaks and my prayers go out to his family,” he wrote in a photo of Spence. I miss you. I know you touched so many of us. It hurts.”
In the season 19 finale, Spence sang “Georgia on My Mind,” “A Change is Gonna Come,” and “Stand Up.” Although the judges were blown away by his spectacular performance, Spence received fewer votes than his idol-turned-American Chase Beckham.