The singer from Georgia, who was born in Palm Beach County, has family in Riviera Beach.Īwwww! Willie Spence on singing, 'American Idol' and his family A lion king Spence, socially distanced from his competitors, smiled big at the announcement. In this bonus video, "American Idol" host Ryan Seacrest, who has been with the show since its original run on Fox, announced the Top 9 contestants would travel to the Disney theme parks in Orlando. On the “Oscar night” episode, Spence closed the show with Cynthia Erivo's "Stand Up" from the film "Harriet." That time he made the Top 9 - and came back home Spence delivered another beautiful rendition of "Diamonds" by Rihanna. What better way to celebrate making the Top 12 on "American Idol?" Sing the song that got you into the competition. When Spence moved up in the competition to make it into the Top 16, he wowed the judges (and audiences) with Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain.” That time he made Top 12 Together, they took the stage to sing “ The Prayer.” Their video, as of May 19, has 1.3 million views on YouTube. He lived in Riviera Beach, at the home featured in an episode of "American Idol." McPhee, in turn, told Spence she would dedicate their performance to her father, Daniel McPhee, who died in 2018. Willie Roger Singleton, Spence's grandfather, was a pastor in Palm Beach County before retiring. In the episode, Spence told McPhee he wanted to dedicate the performance to his hero: his grandfather, who he said had recently died of COVID-19. It is in this video below that judge Luke Bryan cites Spence's innocence and honesty and happily delivers the news that the Palm Beach County-born contestant made the Top 24. Spence performed Beyonce's hit "I was Here." A dream teamįor his celebrity pairing, Spence teamed up with singer Katharine McPhee, who was a previous contestant on "American Idol." The actress was runner-up in season 5, which helped launch her career.
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Spence shares his weight loss and health updates with his fans on social media. “Me being in the hospital really scared me. “All my life I’ve always, you know, struggled with my weight, but this year has been a tough year,” he said. After leaving the hospital, he started exercising and “doing what I had to do for my health.” And then, he said, it felt like it was time for a change in his career. “And when they told me that, I knew I had to focus more on my health.” “I weighed 600 pounds,” he said on the show. In an emotional video, Spence talks about his hospital experience - in March 2020, just before the COVID pandemic began - and the weight loss journey he's been on ever since. View Gallery: American Idol, Willie Spence in second place, has Palm Beach, Florida ties Opening up about his health journey Photos: 'American Idol' finalist Willie Spence, born in Palm Beach County, among Top 3 How's this for a dream come true? "Idol" judge Luke Bryan told Spence, "I'm proud to say, you're in our Top 24." Spence teamed up with Kya Monee of Austin, Texas. Their performance brought judge Katy Perry to tears. Duets challengeįor the duets challenge, this season came with a twist: rather than choose their partner, the three judges chose the pairings for them. 'All of Willie'ĭuring Hollywood week on "American Idol," the show hosted a genre challenge. Spence sang John Legend's "All of Me." Spoiler alert: Later on in the show, Spence picks another Legend song - and knocks it out of the park. you're going to Hollywood!"Īs of May 19, his audition video - he sang "Diamonds" by Rihanna - has gotten more than 2.7 million views on the "American Idol" YouTube channel.
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He blew away the judges, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan, and received the coveted golden ticket, an instant "in" to the reality TV show competition. It’s a song he credits with boosting his career a couple of years ago when a video of him singing it in high school went viral. He chose “Diamonds” by Rihanna for his audition piece. When "American Idol" made its season 19 debut, the world got to know about Spence and what drives him to sing. Here's a look back at his time on "American Idol." The audition
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He went viral, he sang with Kat McPhee: Things to know about Willie Spence 'Idol' beginning: Palm Beach County-born contestant named Willie Spence blew away the judges In fact, after he made the Top 3, #willandgrace was trending - a nod to Spence and fellow contestant Grace Kinstler. The "American Idol" Top 3 finalist for season 19 has been a fan favorite throughout the show. Willie Spence does shine bright like a diamond. Watch Video: American Idol: Willie Spence went viral for singing 'Diamonds' by Rihanna