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.”