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In Memoriam: Fallen Stars of 2022
The American Idol family has mislaid a beloved member.
Former contestant Willie Spence, who was the runner-up connected play 19 of the contention bid successful 2021, died connected Oct. 11, fellow American Idol alum Katharine McPhee shared. "I received precise tragic quality tonight," she began her Instagram Story message. "Sweet @williespenceofficial passed distant successful a car accident. Only 23 years old."
"Life is truthful unfair and thing is ever promised," McPhee, who was an Idol mentor during Spence's season, continued. "God remainder your psyche Willie. It was a pleasance to sing with you and to cognize you."
While further details person not been released, the Georgia native's local outlet DouglasNow besides shared quality of his passing, penning connected Facebook, "We widen our condolences to Willie's family, friends, and fans. He was an bonzer endowment and a ray of airy to millions crossed the world. He volition beryllium missed."
In his final Instagram post, shared to his relationship connected Oct. 11, Spence sang Selah's "You Are My Hiding Place." After quality of Spence's decease emerged, fans, friends and chap stars flooded the comments of his Instagram station with messages.
"Wowww my bosom truly hurts!" singer Ali Caldwell, who appeared on The Voice, commented. "May you remainder successful paradise Willie. Such a star! And a saccharine soul! You volition beryllium missed!"
Two years ago, Spence gave a memorable performance of Rihanna's "Diamonds" during his Idol audition for judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, with Richie giving the vocalist a lasting ovation and calling him an "undeniable" star.
Eric McCandless via Getty Images
Meanwhile, Perry told Spence, "You cognize you sing good. So my question is, this is my question, erstwhile you deliberation astir your aboriginal and you cognize the dependable you have—because you cognize it stops radical successful their tracks, this is the magic you have—in 5 years, what bash you privation it to look like? In your wildest dreams, if thing was lasting successful your way."
In response, Spence said that helium wanted his dependable to "reach the world" and to stock his acquisition with others. He besides added to his privation list, "Hopefully winning a Grammy 1 day. That's wherever I spot myself successful 5 years."
"It's gonna instrumentality hard work," helium noted, "but I consciousness similar I tin bash it."
After getting a "yes" from the 3 judges and advancing to Hollywood, Spence continued to present unthinkable performances, earning him a spot successful the finals. While contestant Chayce Beckham ultimately won the season, Spence captured the hearts of viewers astir the world.
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