Former ‘American Idol’ contestant Willie Spence dies in car crash at 23

Previous "American Icon" finalist Willie Spence kicked the bucket Tuesday from wounds supported in a fender bender in Tennessee, as per Georgia media source Douglas Now. He was 23.

The fan-#1 "Icon" candidate was the sprinter up in the opposition program's nineteenth season the year before. Chayce Beckham was the victor.

Individual "American Icon" alum Katharine McPhee, who tutored and performed with Spence during Season 19, grieved the vocalist Tuesday on Instagram.

The "Crush" star likewise shared a video that Spence posted on Instagram "just before his mishap." In the clasp, Spence enthusiastically belts Selah's "You Are My Concealing Spot" in his vehicle.

"We are crushed about the death of our darling American Icon relative, Willie Spence," read a proclamation on the "American Symbol" Instagram page. "He was a genuine ability who illuminated each room he entered and will be profoundly missed. We send our sympathies to his friends and family."

"You, old buddy, are so gifted," Richie said. "On the primary note, I had chills. ... That was an agreeable meeting to watch."

In April 2021, Spence delivered his presentation EP, "The Voice," trailed by singles "Never Be Distant from everyone else" and "The Living Years."

"I simply believe my voice should arrive at the world and offer my gift," he told the appointed authorities at his "Golden calf" tryout.

"Ideally winning a Grammy one day, that is where I see myself in five years. ... It will take difficult work, yet I want to make it happen."

"I love you Willie," "American Symbol" specialist Katy Perry remarked on the post. "Most perfect soul. Sing with the holy messengers my dear."

During his "American Symbol" tryout, the performer from Douglas, Ga., blew the VIP judges away with a strong version of Rihanna's "Jewels." Subsequent to giving him a heartfelt applause, Lionel Richie hailed Spence as an "irrefutable star," while Luke Bryan considered him "a unique individual."