American Idol runner-up ‘dies aged 23’

American Idol runner-up Willie Spence has died aged 23, in keeping with reviews.

The aspiring singer, who appeared on season 19 of the expertise collection, was concerned in a automotive accident in Tennessee, in keeping with a neighborhood information outlet in Douglas, Georgia. This has but to be formally verified.

Singer Katharine McPhee, who duetted with Spence on the present, claimed to have been advised of Spence’s demise, writing on Instagram: “I acquired very tragic information tonight.

“Candy @williespenceofficial handed away in a automotive accident. Solely 23 years previous. Life is so unfair and nothing is ever promised.

She added: “God relaxation your soul Willie. It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.”

McPhee additionally shared a video that Spence uploaded to his Instagram web page at 1.30pm native time on Wednesday (11 October). She claimed that Spence posted the clip, which exhibits him singing “You Are My Hiding Place”, “proper earlier than the accident”.

Through the nineteenth season of American Idol, which was broadcast in 2021, Spence completed in second place behind nation star Chayce Beckham.

All through the collection, he impressed judges together with his renditions of songs “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke and “Georgia on My Thoughts” by Ray Charles.” The latter was devoted to his house state of Georgia.

He additionally duetted with X Issue winner Leona Lewis, with the pair singing Lewis’s Calum Scott collaboration “You Are the Cause”.

Spence launched his debut track “By no means Be Alone” shortly after the collection ended. He was as a consequence of carry out in London subsequent month.