An American singer and Instagram star, Willie Spence was best recognized for finishing as runner-up on the Season 19 of American Idol. He sang Rihanna’s Diamonds during his audition on Idol journey. Spence passed away at age 23 in a car crash in Tennessee on Tuesday, October 11. Willie Spence net worth at the time of his death is believed to be around $1 million.
Early Life
West Palm Beach’s own Willie Spence Jr. was born to Willie Spence Sr. and Sharon Spence on June 18, 1999. His parents were very supportive of his musical aspirations. In fact, his mom informed WALB News 10 that she nurtured him while he was in her womb through singing, so they knew from the start that Willie would be a career musician.
Spence was born and raised in Douglas, Georgia. He showed an inclination toward singing from an incredibly young age, performing for his family at the age of three, and then attending his grandfather’s church in Florida when he was older. He later attended Coffee High School in Douglas and then Georgia State University, before finally transferring to Florida State University.
Willie Spence Net Worth & Career
While attending high school, Willie started posting online videos. In 2017, he posted a video of himself singing Rihanna’s song, Diamonds, which went viral on YouTube and got over 15 million views. After a song went viral, he got a lot of attention and was soon featured on the syndicated talk show, Steve.
After that, he appeared on Season 19 of American Idol in 2021. He was able to impress all three judges with his fantastic rendition of Diamonds. Judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan were blown away by Willie when Lionel called him an undeniable superstar and Luke stated that he didn’t want his performance to finish. Spence stayed strong in the singing competition and made it to the top four, but he couldn’t take home the first prize as he was second to the eventual winner, Chayce Beckham.
Spence has a self-titled YouTube channel where he has uploaded numerous songs. He posted the official music video of his song, Never Be Alone on May 22, 2021, which has garnered over 274K views. Spence has also uploaded songs from his debut EP titled The Voice on his channel. His debut EP, The Voice was launched on April 2, 2021, under Red Agency Records label.
Personal Life & Death
There is no indication that Willie Spence was romantically involved with anyone. He was not married when he passed away on October 11, Tuesday in a fatal car crash. Spence, aged 23, was pronounced dead after his Jeep veered off the road and crashed into the back of a tractor-trailer. The medical examiner of Marion County, Barbara O’Neal, determined that his cause of death was multisystem trauma following a motor vehicle accident.
Spence was pronounced dead at the scene on Tuesday. The Tennessee Highway Patrol reported that Spence and the tractor-trailer’s driver, both were wearing seat belts. The investigation is still ongoing regarding Spence’s car veering off the road. After his death, the singing competition, American Idol, released a statement saying that Spence was a true talent who lit up every room he entered and the Idol team is devastated about the loss of their beloved Idol family member, Willie Spence.
Willie Spence Net Worth
Willie Spence is estimated to have a net worth when approximately $1 million in 2022; he has earned a sizeable sum from his singing career and his Instagram success. He is recognized among the richest Instagram stars.
The Business of Gospel Music
Gospel music is a genre of music that is characterized by its message of hope and redemption. The lyrics often reflect the struggles and triumphs of the Christian faith, and the music itself is typically uplifting and joyous. Gospel music has its roots in the African-American church, but it has since been adopted by people of all races and cultures. Today, gospel music is enjoyed by millions of people around the world, and it continues to be an important part of the African-American experience.
For artists, this genre is very lucrative as well. If Spence produces good quality music, there is no doubt that he can earn a lot of money and become famous through the music industry. He can also earn more money by singing at a famous preacher’s event.
For example, Joel Osteen’s Lakewood Church in Houston, Texas, has weekly services that are viewed by millions of people around the world. Spence can gain more exposure and potentially more opportunities by singing at one of these services.
Marketing Lessons From How Willie
Willie is a likable guy with strong family values and an inspirational story.
We want to support people that we like, and Spence uses this to his advantage when marketing himself. His story is something his fans can relate to because he is a regular guy just like them.
Finding the balance between being relatable and aspirational while marketing yourself or your brand is important. You want people to relate to you, but you also want to show that they can achieve their dreams.