Willie Spence Cause of Death Revealed; 'American Idol' Runner-Up's Final IG Post Goes Viral

Willie Spence, a musician who as a kid went viral with his cover of Rihanna's popular song 'Diamonds,' has passed away, the program said on social media on Wednesday. Spence was the runner-up on Season 19 of 'American Idol.' He had an age of 23.

According to WSB and the Marion County Sheriff's Office, the singer died in a car crash on Tuesday in Tennessee.

Willie Spence's Cause of Death

The accident report states that Spence was operating an SUV when he veered off the road and collided with a vehicle that was parked on the shoulder. Additionally, a family source reportedly told TMZ that Spence died in a collision.

The native of West Palm Beach, Florida, moved to Georgia as a child along with his family. Spence was originally noticed while singing in his neighborhood high school. More than 15 million people have watched a video of him performing 'Diamonds' in what appeared to be a classroom that went viral in 2017.

He was invited to appear on Steve Harvey's daytime talk program as a result of his performance. Spence also selected the song for his audition performance. Luke Bryan, Katy Perry, and Lionel Richie were the judges, and Spence completely blew them away. Richie called Spence unbelievable, and Bryan said he did not want the singer's performance to stop, as per CNN.

A heartbreaking video of Spence singing along to a Christian hymn in his parked car was uploaded a few hours before he tragically passed away in a car accident. The 23-year-old posted a terrifying video of himself performing 'You Are My Hiding Place' before he snuck out of the house.

The gifted vocalist tilted his head back and sang the moving song from yesterday with his eyes closed. It happened just a few hours before his car veered off the road and collided with the back of a truck that was parked alongside Interstate 24.

Before leaving the state on his journey home to Atlanta, Georgia, he experienced a flat tire but managed to have it mended. The 68-year-old tractor-trailer driver was unharmed when he was stopped in the emergency lane of the highway.

Tributes For Willie Spence

Officials from American Idol acknowledged their cherished contestant on social media, expressing their devastation, and posting a picture of Spence on stage during season 19.

In a heartbreaking Instagram message that appeared on her profile on Tuesday, Katharine McPhee said Spence had passed away. "Life is so harsh and nothing is ever promised," the singer who appeared alongside him on American Idol said.

Following her message, a wave of distraught celebs paid tribute, including producer Randall Emmett, who said, "I'll miss you, my friend." Spence gave one final heartfelt song before crashing into a semi-truck. Both the singer and the 68-year-old driver were restrained by seatbelts.

Following the singer's passing, producer Emmett, who referred to Spence as his friend, posted a tribute to him on Instagram. Alex Miller, a co-star on Season 19 of Idol, also recalled Spence and the times the two of them spent together backstage.

Mickey Guyton, a four-time Granny nominee, too paid tribute to the fellow performer on Wednesday morning with a straightforward song. In response to Spence's sudden passing, admirers flocked to his final post of him singing in the car. Some fans recalled the times they bumped into the American Idol contestant and felt fortunate by his humble presence.

The American Idol contestant who performed 'Georgia on My Mind' in the season 19 finale began performing at the age of three at his grandparents' church.

Spence later expanded his singing career for the 591,000 YouTube followers who had watched his live performances since around four years ago. Spence's next performance, which will be on October 18 in New York City for American Idol star Alyssa Wray's concert, is scheduled for many appearances through 2023.

On November 12, he also intended to give a live performance at Trinity Baptist Church in London as part of a night of praise and worship. The Voice UK's Lois Moodie, Emmanuel Smith, Loxton Mitchell, and Kieron Dani were scheduled to sing as special guests in addition to the late American Idol.

Additionally, Spence and the Florida-based SOS Warriors Marching Band were scheduled to perform at London's 'London Band Week' in 2023. Fans may remember Spence by watching a collection of singing videos on his Instagram profile, Daily Mail reported.

Tags

American Idol