Luke Bryan Opens Up About the Death of Willie Spence

Luke Bryan joined “American Idol” as one of the show’s judges in 2018. Since then, the beloved country music star has experienced quite a bit on and off the show, including releasing multiple albums and watching several people from the hit reality competition show launch their own careers. However, one of the most challenging developments came in 2022, when “Idol” runner-up Willie Spence passed away. Now, Bryan is opening up about how the loss still impacts him.

Bryan, along with fellow “American Idol” judges Carrie Underwood and Lionel Richie, and host Ryan Seacrest, interviewed with Billboard to discuss the 24th season of the show, which returned to air in 2018 after a hiatus. During the conversation, they were asked to consider what they would change from their time on the show.

Bryan said, “The first thing that popped in my mind is: I would have cherished more moments with Willie Spence. That’s a biggie to me — losing him and knowing how much he touched me in that room, in that space, watching him perform week in and week out. It was truly breathtaking.”

The interview continued, with Bryan saying, “He was from Douglas, Georgia, which is an hour from my hometown. That loss really affected me. From time to time, I’ll see a clip of him singing, and it just breaks my heart for him and his family, and I just can only imagine what his career might have been.”

Seacrest then stated, “You don’t think those things are ever going to happen.” From there, Bryan expanded on his vulnerable thoughts, explaining, “It’s like when you go back to your high school reunion, and you realize some of your classmates aren’t here. Then you realize that, considering the years you’ve been on the show, the sad reality is we are going to lose people.”

Spence competed on “American Idol” during its 19th season in 2021. He quickly became a fan favorite and ultimately finished as the season’s runner-up, with Chayce Beckham winning. Sadly, he passed away on October 11, 2022, following a car accident in which he reportedly crashed into a semi-truck while in Jasper, Tennessee.

According to Billboard, the show released a statement via its official Instagram. They captioned the post, “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.”

Bryan reacted to the news on Twitter, saying, “Willie really did light up every room he walked into. He could change the mood instantly when he started singing. He will truly be missed.”

According to CBS12, the city of Riviera Beach, Florida, announced June 18, 2025, as Willie Spence Day, as this would have been his 26th birthday. The event, hosted by The City of Riviera Beach, the Diplomat Center, and KOP Mentoring Center, included various special events, intended to honor Spence’s life and legacy following his tragic car crash.

The day began with a tree planting at Cunningham Park at Washington Elementary School. His mother, Sharon Singleton Spence, said of the tree planting ceremony, “Me and Willie’s father are humbled and ecstatic at the thought of planting a tree in our son’s honor. It is something that will last a lifetime, and what a way to pay tribute to our beautiful son and to start a foundation in his honor on such an occasion.

Additionally, his parents launched the Willie Spence Champions Foundation, Inc.

Season 14 of “American Idol” premiered on ABC on January 26, 2026, with Bryan returning alongside Underwood and Richie. Ahead of the season premiere, Bryan spoke to Taste of Country about his tenure on the show and if he would be returning. He told the outlet, “Idol is kind of a year-by-year, ‘Do we do it or not?’ We’ll see what happens.”

Bryan then discussed season 23, saying, “Last year was really, really incredible with Carrie and Lionel and Ryan. The main thing is just, have fun with ‘American Idol’ and have fun with the [contestants].”