Willie Spence’s obituary details were released soon after his demise. He died in a car accident in Tennessee on October 11th, 2022, at 23. 

Willie Spence was a singer from Atlanta, Georgia, who finished runner-up on season 19 of the popular reality TV singing competition “American Idol.” He sang the Rihanna song “Diamonds” during his audition to get selected for the show. 

Kya Monee’ competed on Season 4 of American Idol and delivered a chilling duet of Rihanna’s “Stay” with contestant Willie Spence, earning a standing ovation from all three judges and bringing Perry to tears.

“That song meant so much to me,” Monee’ said of the duet. “From there on, we grew a very close friendship.”

It was Spence, she says, who motivated her to come back and give “Idol” another try.

Three days before his tragic accident, Willie told Kya Monee’, ‘You must go back. You have to chase your dreams.’ She added that Spence was supposed to accompany her to her audition that day. Monee said not having Spence by her side is one of the hardest things to endure.

Monee’ launched into an “I’m Here” performance from “The Color Purple” musical. She sobbed throughout the performance and received a standing ovation from the teary-eyed judges.

Her tribute to the late Willie Spence was called divinely guided by one of the judges of the show. The tribute was heartwarming, emotional, and glorious. 

Regarding Spence, Richie said, “He was a wonderful angel that God brought to the world, and he was that beacon of what ‘American Idol’ is all about.”