Luke Bryan is still grieving more than three years after the death of “American Idol” alum Willie Spence.
The “Play It Again” singer reflected on Spence, who died in October 2022 at the age of 23, in an interview with Billboard published Friday.
“The first thing that came to mind was that I would have cherished my time with Willie Spence more,” Brian, 49, said when asked what he would change about his nine seasons as a judge on “American Idol.”
“That’s a huge thing for me. Losing him and watching him perform week in and week out and knowing how much he touched me in that room, in that space. It was just breathtaking,” the country star continued.
Bryan said the “American Idol” alum’s death “really affected him,” after noting that Spence grew up just an hour away from his hometown of Leesburg, Georgia.
“Sometimes I see clips of him singing and my heart just breaks for him and his family. I can only imagine what his career would have been like,” the “Bye Dirt” singer said.
Bryan went on to acknowledge that the deaths of former contestants like Spence are a “sad reality” of what American Idol has always been.
“It’s like going to a high school reunion and realizing some of your classmates aren’t here,” he explained. “Then, when you think about the years you’ve been on the show, the sad reality is that we’re going to lose someone.”
Ryan Seacrest, 51, also shared his thoughts on Spence’s death in a candid interview with Billboard.
“You never think something like that will happen,” said Seacrest, who has hosted “American Idol” since its debut in 2002.
“This show has such a history and legacy, and when you’ve touched so many different lives and people, you never think about it when you start this, but it’s inevitably a part of life,” the “Wheel of Fortune” host added.
Mr. Spence tragically passed away on October 11, 2022 in Jasper, Tennessee from injuries sustained in a car accident. He was 23 years old.
The talented singer competed on season 19 of American Idol, which aired in 2021, and came in second place behind Chase Beckham.
Spence sang “Georgia on My Mind,” “A Change Is Gonna Come,” and “Stand Up” in the season 19 finale.
“American Idol” and Bryan paid tribute to the late singer on social media following news of Spence’s death.
“We are shocked by the passing of Willie Spence, a beloved member of our American Idol family,” the show tweeted at the time. “He was a true talent who brightened up every room he entered and will be greatly missed. We send our condolences to his loved ones.”
Brian added in his social media post: “Willie truly lit up every room he entered.” “He could change the mood as soon as he started singing. He will be truly missed.”
