Photo: Getty Images
Luke Bryan shared a heartbreaking tribute to Willie Spence on Wednesday (October 12). Spence, the American Idol alum who finished runner-up in the competition show’s 19th season, died in a tragic car crash in Tennessee. He was 23.
Bryan, who serves as one of the celebrity judges with Katy Perry and Lionel Richie, wrote: “Willie really did light up every room he walked into. He could change the mood instantly when he started singing. He will truly be missed.”
“We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence,” reads American Idol’s tweet. “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.”
Preliminary reports state that Spence, of Georgia, collided with the back of a tractor trailer after his vehicle left he road. The accident happened in a small town outside of Chattanooga on Tuesday afternoon (October 11).
Bryan, who is also from Georgia, and the other judges praised Spence’s talent beginning with his audition and spanning the American Idol season. Spence auditioned with a rendition of “Diamonds” by Rihanna (which he later performed when he made the Top 12). Bryan gushed at that time: “Gosh. I didn’t want it to end. I did not want it to end…That GRAMMY is attainable.”