Tragic Willie Spence, ‘American Idol’ Season 19 runner-up, dead at 23

The singer was killed in a car accident in Tennessee on Tuesday

Spence was driving an SUV when he went off the road and crashed into a car that was stopped on the shoulder, according to the accident report.

A family member confirmed them that Spence died after a crash

Willie Spence, a singer who as a teen went viral with his rendition of Rihanna’s hit “Diamonds” and was the runner up on Season 19 on “American Idol

The performance landed him an appearance on Steve Harvey’s daytime talk show. Spence also chose to perform the song for his audition for “American Idol” in 2021.

“American Idol” fifth season runner up Katharine McPhee Foster took to her Instagram stories to post a tribute to Spence, who she met on “Idol” during his season.

“I received very tragic news tonight. Sweet @williespenceofficial passed away in a car accident,” she wrote on her Instastory along with a video of her and Spence from the show. “Only 23 years old.

Life is so unfair and nothing is ever promised. God rest your soul Willie. It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.”