American Idol contestant Willie Spence has died in a car accident aged just 23 years old.
According to reports the singer died in a car accident in Tennessee.
Katharine McPhee confirmed the news via Instagram and shared a sweet message.
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She wrote: “I received very tragic news tonight. Sweet @williespenceofficial passed away in a car accident. Only 23 years old.”
She continued: “‘Life is so unfair and nothing is every promised. God rest your soul Willie. It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.”
In his first audition, Willie sang Rihanna’s hit Diamonds and the judging panel heard of his love of singing.
The famous faces, which included Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, were all mesmerised by his voice and obvious talent.
Willie told them: “I do this for me, but not only for me, I do this for my family. They’ve always supported me, they’ve been there from the very beginning.”
Willie was a clear hit with the judges and viewers alike and made his way through to the live shows with flying colours.
He performed with Katharine and eventually landed the second place spot when he went up against Chayce Beckham.
Even though Spence didn’t win the show, the star had a successful singing career and was set to perform in London next month (November).
Mere hours before reports of his death, Willie posted a video of himself singing on Instagram.
He gave a beautiful cover of You Are My Hiding Place and the comments were used to pay tribute to the late star.
Friends, family and fans flocked to write their words while Katharine said that “he is with Jesus now,” God bless him” and that she was “thankful for the time they had together”.
A fan commented that a “special human was lost” and called him “their friend”.
Others wrote that they were “at a loss for words,” while another exclaimed “not you, Willie” before they told him to “rest in paradise” and called him a “king”.
More comments flooded in and someone added that their “heart really hurts,” called him “such a star and a sweet soul” and that he “will be missed”.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
