Home Christian News ‘American Idol’ Runner-Up Willie Spence Dies at 23 After Posting Video of...

‘American Idol’ Runner-Up Willie Spence Dies at 23 After Posting Video of Himself Singing Worship Song

willie spence
Composite image. Screenshot from Instagram / @williespenceofficial

Willie Spence, who was the runner-up on the 2021 season of “American Idol,” has passed away at the age of 23. One of the last videos Spence posted to his Instagram account was one of himself singing the worship song, “You Are My Hiding Place.”

“We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence,” said American Idol in a statement on Twitter. “He was a true talent who lit up every room he entered and will be deeply missed. We send our condolences to his loved ones.”

Willie Spence Wanted His ‘Voice To Reach the World’

Willie Spence was a native of West Palm Beach, Florida, but grew up in Georgia. He impressed the “American Idol” judges with his audition singing Rihanna’s “Diamonds” and continued to wow American audiences with his performances of songs including “The Prayer,” Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain,” and Coldplay’s “Yellow.”

After his audition, Spence told judge Katy Perry, “I just want my voice to reach the world,” and said that he hoped to win a Grammy one day. Spence ended up placing second overall that season with country singer Chayce Beckham winning the competition. 

According to WSBTV, on Tuesday, Oct. 11, Spence was driving a Jeep Cherokee on I-24 near Chattanooga, Tennessee, when he veered off the road into a vehicle that was stopped on the side. That vehicle’s driver, reported to be 68-year-old Raymond Kresl, was not injured.

A GoFundMe page for Willie Spence categorized under Funerals & Memorials says that Spence crashed into a semi-truck, but adds “at this time we don’t know the details leading up to the crash.” 

“Ironically, singing was not his first love,” says the GoFundMe page. “He loved playing the drums for church right here in Palm Beach County.”  

Spence appears to have posted the video of himself singing “You Are My Hiding Place” mere hours before his death. The lyrics to the song read in part: 

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