Willie Spence facts for kids

Willie Spence (born June 18, 1999 – died October 11, 2022) was a talented American singer. He became famous as the runner-up on the nineteenth season of the TV show American Idol. He was 22 years old when he competed.

Early Life and Music Journey

Willie Spence was born on June 18, 1999, in West Palm Beach, Florida. His family later moved to Douglas, Georgia, where he grew up.

Willie loved to sing and started sharing videos of his performances online. He posted these videos while he was still in high school. In 2017, one of his videos became very popular. He sang the Rihanna song "Diamonds". This video was watched over 15 million times on YouTube.

His amazing voice caught a lot of attention. He even appeared on the talk show Steve, hosted by Steve Harvey.

American Idol Success

In 2021, Willie Spence decided to try out for season 19. The judges were very impressed with his singing. His powerful performances quickly made him a favorite.

Willie made it all the way to the finale. He finished in second place, right behind Chayce Beckham. Even though he didn't win, he gained many fans.

Remembering Willie Spence

Willie Spence passed away on October 11, 2022. He was 23 years old. He died in a car crash near Chattanooga, Tennessee.

After his passing, many people shared their sadness. The official Instagram account for American Idol posted a video of Willie's audition as a tribute. Chayce Beckham, who won his season, also shared a message. Katharine McPhee, a singer who had performed with Willie, posted her own tribute too.

Willie Spence was one of several American Idol finalists who have passed away. Others include Michael Johns, Rickey Smith, Leah LaBelle, and Nikki McKibbin.