American Idol finalist Willie Spence (23) dies in a tragic accident

'American Idol,' one of the most popular talent shows in the US and the world, has been struck with tragedy. Willie Spence, a finalist of the 2021 American edition, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 23.

TMZ reported that Willie Spence had died in a traffic accident near Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Photo: @williespence / Instagram

According to TMZ, the singer was heading from Tennessee to Atlanta, Georgia. As WSBTV reports, he was driving an SUV when he went off the road and crashed into a vehicle that was standing still on the shoulder.

Photo: @americanidol / Instagram

Family sources told TMZ that the day before the accident Spence had a flat tire. Presumably, it had been repaired, but it might have been the cause of his remarkable collision with a parked car.

Photo: @americanidol / Instagram

On October 13, TMZ added that the vehicle Spence crashed into was allegedly a tractor trailer. The crash cost the young musical star his life. The driver of the parked vehicle remained unharmed.

Photo: @williespence / Instagram

Willie Spence had risen to fame thanks to his participation in the 19th season of 'American Idol'. Broadcast in 2021, the show made him famous as 'Willie Pavarotti.'

Photo: @americanidol / Instagram

The singer conquered the hearts of 'American Idol' talent judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan with his interpretation of Rihanna's hit 'Diamonds'.

Photo: @americanidol / Instagram

In fact, Lionel Richie said that he felt "chills" at the first note he heard in that audition.

In the photo, we see Willie Spence with Chayce Beckham, the winner of the 2021 edition.

Photo: @americanidol / Instagram

To remember the talented singer, the official profile of 'American Idol' shared the video of his audition on the program, the day he left the jury with their mouths open.

"We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence, the caption read. "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."

Photo: @americanidol / Instagram

His passage through the program was almost perfect, but in the final, he could not beat the winner, Chayce Beckham (in the photo).

On the way to his second place, Willie Spence left jewels of interpretations. The Georgian singer will be remembered for his versions of 'Georgia on my Mind', 'Stand Up,' and 'A Change is Gonna Come.'

Photo: @americanidol / Instagram

His time on 'American Idol' earned him such popularity that he was able to release an EP entitled 'The Voice'.

Photo: @williespence / Instagram

In addition, Spence began to rack up performances in public with some regularity.

Photo: @williespence / Instagram

In fact, one of his last pinned posts is the one in the picture, promoting his next concert in London, on November 12, 2022.

Photo: @williespence / Instagram

In the last video he posted on Instagram, on the day he died, Willie Spence unknowingly sang his farewell song. We see him singing in his car, with the fitting Christian lyrics: "Lord, you are my hiding place."

Photo: @williespence / Instagram