American Idol 'American Idol' runner-up Willie Spence dead at age 23 after car crash in Tennessee 10/12/2022 American Idol alum Willie Spence has reportedly passed away in a tragic manner. Read More RELATED NEWS 'American Idol' alum Caleb Kennedy sentenced to prison after fatal DUI car crash'American Idol' runner-up Willie Spence dead at age 23 after car crash in Tennessee'American Idol' crowns Chayce Beckham its Season 19 winner over runner-up Willie Spence TAGS: American Idol Katharine McPhee