American Idol 2021 runner-up Willie Spence died Tuesday (October 11) due to injuries sustained in a car accident. He was 23.
Willie Spence first wowed American Idol judges and viewers with his stunning cover of Rhianna’s “Diamonds” during his audition. The performance had Lionel Richie on his feet and Luke Bryan proclaiming, “You are a special, special human being.”
Judge Katy Perry asked Spence what he wanted his future to look like. “In five years, what do you want it to look like…In your wildest dreams, if nothing was standing in your way?” Perry asked.
Spence replied, “I just want my voice to reach the world and just share my gift. Hopefully winning a Grammy one day. That’s where I see myself in five years.”
‘You, my friend, are so gifted,” Lionel told Willie. “From the first note I had chills…I cannot tell you how excited I am to have you join us on this show.”
Spence soared throughout the competition with covers of songs by Adele, Beyonce, Sam Cooke and more. The singer made it to the finale where he was named runner-up behind Chayce Beckham.
Willie Spence‘s life was cut short due to a tragic car accident on Tuesday. According to the accident report, Spence was behind the wheel of an SUV when it veered off the road and crashed into a car that was stopped on the shoulder.
Hours before he died, Willie posted a video from his car that showed him singing the Christian hit, “Hiding Place.” The song was first recorded by contemporary Christian trio Selah, and is a song of praise with the lyrics:
You are my hiding place
You always fill my heart
With songs of deliverance
Whenever I am afraid
I will trust in You
I will trust in You
Let the weak say I am strong
In the strength of the Lord
I will trust in You
Willie’s soulful cover of “Hiding Place” now serves as a poignant testimony of the singer’s faith following his death. See Willie Spence‘s last performance and social media post in the video below.