ETOnlineFollow'American Idol' Judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry Pay Tribute to Willie Spence After His DeathSophie Schillaci - Yesterday 6:18 PM|4
'American Idol' Judges Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry Pay Tribute to Willie Spence After His Death© Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty ImagesThe American Idol judges are paying tribute to Willie Spence. The season 19 runner-up recently died at the age of 23. According to local media outlet Douglas Now, which is located in Spence's hometown of Douglas, Georgia, the singer died from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. "Your light will always shine in this world," Lionel Richie wrote in touching tribute on an Instagram video of one of Spence's Idol performances. "We were so blessed to get a chance to see you shine. My thoughts and prayers are with Willie's family. Rest well my friend."Luke Bryan also remembered Spence in a heartfelt Instagram Stories post. "Willie really did light up every room he walked into," Bryan wrote. "He could change the mood instantly when he started singing. He will truly be missed."