Georgia singer stuns ‘American Idol’ judges with Beyoncé ballad, earns spot in Top 24
After leaving it all on the stage, “American Idol” contestant Willie Spence was thrilled to learn that he had landed a spot in the competition’s Top 24.
“Words cannot describe what I’m feeling right now,” the 21-year-old said after judge Luke Bryan delivered the good news.
The Georgia native, who earned a golden ticket to Hollywood earlier this season, was considered a shoo-in for the next round in the competition. On Sunday night, he wowed judges Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie yet again with his showstopping rendition of Beyoncé’s “I Was Here,” videos show.
Spence talked about struggles with his weight, revealing that he was hospitalized early last year.
“Me being in the hospital really scared me,” he said. “I thought I wasn’t gonna survive. Me being here has changed me a lot. And I know that God has given me a second chance, and that I am here for a purpose.”
This season’s cohort of singers was narrowed down from nearly 200 people, and Spence said advancing to the Top 24 was something he wanted “desperately.”
“I need this,” he said. “Not only for me, but for my family.”
Bryan described Spence’s voice as “a gift from God.”
Richie, who tuned in to the auditions virtually from his “Lionel’s Den,” was equally stunned by his performance, calling it “powerful” and “deliberate.”
Perry told Spence that he had the star power, adding: “You’ve got to let go of all the noise. You’ve got to suit up, do the work [and] stay focused.”
After surviving back-to-back elimination nights, Spence will return to the “American Idol” stage Sunday to perform a superstar duet with singer and former “Idol” contestant Katharine McPhee, WGXA reported.
McPhee appeared on Season 5 of the singing competition, and Spence called it an “honor” to sing with her.
“She’s another powerful singer,” he told the news station. I remember growing up singing the song [from] one of her shows-- her first Broadway shows, ‘Smashed,’ so it’s very amazing that I will be able to share the stage with her for ‘American Idol.’ “
Spence and McPhee will take the stage Sunday at 8 p.m. EST.
This story was originally published March 30, 2021 at 8:21 AM with the headline "Georgia singer stuns ‘American Idol’ judges with Beyoncé ballad, earns spot in Top 24."