RYAN Seacrest has shared a touching tribute to American Idol finalist Willie Spence after his horrific death at the age of 23.
The singer lost his life in a tragic car accident in Tennessee on Tuesday.
American Idol host Ryan Seacrest, 47, has spoken out about Willie's passing as the country mourns the loss.
The TV star took to his Twitter profile on Wednesday to re-share a post from the show's official page.
The tweet included a photo of the young competitor belting out a song, with the caption: "We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence. 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."
Ryan added his own note, reading: "Everybody on and off set loved him. @Williespence you’ll be deeply missed."
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FINAL WORD
Fans were devastated to learn that Willie, 23, was involved in a fatal car accident on Tuesday.
The young star had just shared an eerie video on his Instagram Reels hours before, of him singing the Christian song, Lord You are my Hiding Place.
He showed off his incredible skill as he crooned the solemn emotional tune in a red tee shirt.
Willie captioned his post: “Lord you are my hiding place,” with the microphone and crying emoji.
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The performer shared the mysterious post just hours before the news broke that he had tragically passed in a car accident in Tennessee.
Fans were shattered by the horrific crash, taking to the comments of his last post to send their condolences.
"Fly and sing with the angels and dance amongst the stars friend! RIH," one wrote.
"BROOOO I’M MESSED UP RIGHT NOW," a second remarked.
A third gushed: "Omg I am so at a loss for words. Not you Willie! Wow… Rest in Paradise, king."
"Wowww my heart really hurts! May you rest in paradise Willie. Such a star! And a sweet soul! You will be missed!" another mentioned.
"Can’t believe this. Rest up bro," a fifth added while another said: "You’re with Jesus now. God bless you. Thankful for the time we had."
TRAGIC LOSS
According to an accident report uncovered by TMZ: "Willie was driving an SUV when it veered off the road and crashed into a semi-truck that was parked on the shoulder."
Fans and friends flocked to social media to send their love to Willi and prayers to his family.
American Idol alum Katharine McPhee re-shared a video from when she met Willie during season 19 and collaborated on a song together.
She wrote in mourning: "I received very tragic news tonight. Sweet @williespenceofficial passed away in a car accident. Only 23 years old. Life is so unfair and nothing is ever promised.
“God rest your soul Willie. It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.”
Movie producer Randall Emmett also shared his heartbreak over the loss of the young singer, writing on social media alongside a photo of Willie: “My heart is broken and my prayers go out to his family.
“I was lucky to have him sing for me live at my home and other events, I will miss you my friend. I know you touched so many of us. I’m heart broken.”
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AMERICAN IDOL
Willie sang Georgia on My Mind, A Change is Gonna Come, and Stand Up during the season 19 finale of American Idol.
Despite the love he received from both fans and the judges alike, he received fewer votes landing him runner-up next to his competitor Chayce Beckham.
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