Luke Bryan Still Feels Affected by American Idol Alum Willie Spence’s Death

American Idol judge Luke Bryan spoke candidly about the 2022 death of season 19 runner-up Willie Spence, explaining that the tragedy continues to resonate with him more than three years on.

Luke Bryan still has Willie Spence close to his heart.

The American Idol judge reflected on the untimely death of the season 19 runner-up—who passed away at age 23 in an October 2022 car crash—as he discussed what he would change about his time on the ABC singing competition.

American Idol's Luke Bryan pays heartbreaking tribute amid sudden death | HELLO!

“I would have cherished more moments with Willie Spence,” he told Billboard in an interview published March 6. “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 fatal incident hit particularly close to home for Luke, 49, who shared that he is often reminded of the late performer to this day.

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

Indeed, the “Country Girl” singer noted that Willie’s death reminded him of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing those around him.

Luke Bryan; Willie Spence, American Idol
Disney/Eric McCandless; Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images

“It’s like when you go back to your high school reunion and you realize some of your classmates aren’t here,” he explained. “Then you realize that considering the years you’ve been on the show, the sad reality is we are going to lose people.”

At the time of the tragedy, several Idol alums offered condolences to Willie’s family, while the show’s social media handles paid tribute to the fallen star.

“We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence,” a statement on the show’s X (formerly Twitter) page read. “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.”