Willie Spence's American Idol family is paying tribute to the late singer after he died in a car accident on Tuesday.
Spence, 23, was remembered as "a true talent who lit up every room he entered" in a statement shared by the hit ABC series on Wednesday, one day after the singer reportedly died of his injuries after crashing his car into a semi-truck in Jasper, Tennessee.
He placed second in the popular competition series on season 19 in 2021.
"We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence," the statement read. "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."
Judge Katy Perry, who told Spence during his audition that his voice "stops people in their tracks," commented on Idol's Instagram post, writing: "I love you Willie… purest soul. Sing with the angels my darling ♥️✨"
Her fellow judge Luke Bryan also paid tribute on social media with a sweet message to Spence.
"Willie really did light up every room he walked into," the country star wrote. "He could change the mood instantly when he started singing. He will truly be missed.