American Idol runner-up Car collision kills 23-year-old Willie Spence

By Samantha Allen

Published: October 13, 2022 | 8:53 AM GMT

Tuesday, 23-year-old Willie Spence, the runner-up of Season 19 of “American Idol,” died in an automobile accident.

Local news outlet Douglas Now reported on Facebook that Spence crashed in Tennessee, with TMZ adding that Spence was heading home from Atlanta at the time.

Katherine McPhee, a fellow “Idol” veteran and mentor on Spence’s season, announced the news on her Instagram story late Tuesday night.

McPhee commented, “I received pretty bad news tonight.” “Sweet @williespenceofficial died in an automobile accident. Just 23 years of age.”

“Life is so unjust, and nothing is ever guaranteed,” McPhee added, adding, “it was a pleasure to sing with you and get to know you.”

McPhee then shared a video of Spence performing Selah’s “You Are My Hiding Place” that he had posted to his Instagram account hours before the accident.

McPhee wrote, “He uploaded this immediately before the accident.”

At this moment, no other information on his death or the accident has been disclosed.

Spence auditioned for American Idol two years ago, performing “Diamonds” by Rihanna, and all three judges gave him a “yes.”

About Samantha Allen

Samantha Allen is a seasoned journalist and senior correspondent at TDPel Media, specializing in the intersection of maternal health, clinical wellness, and public policy. With a background in investigative reporting and a passion for data-driven storytelling, Samantha has become a trusted voice for expectant mothers and healthcare advocates worldwide. Her work focuses on translating complex medical research into actionable insights, covering everything from prenatal fitness and neonatal care to the socioeconomic impacts of healthcare legislation. At TDPel Media, Samantha leads the agency's health analytics desk, ensuring that every report is grounded in accuracy, empathy, and scientific integrity. When she isn't in the newsroom, she is an advocate for community-led wellness initiatives and an avid explorer of California’s coastal trails.