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Who is Willie Spence? Grammy-aspiring singer's 'American Idol' audition gives fans 'full-body chills’

As soon as Spence finished his song, Lionel Richie jumped with excitement and said that this is what they have been looking for the whole time

A lot of singers and contestants in various reality shows have covered Rihanna’s global hit single ‘Diamonds’ but Willie Spence from the latest auditions of ‘American Idol’ Season 19 took it to a different level altogether.

Willie, who lost 200 pounds before the audition, got thumbs up from the judges namely Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan. The talented singer revealed his desire to win Grammy and how singing is the only thing he only wants to do in life. The Internet was also left impressed with Spence’s singing skills. 
 
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Who is Willie Spence?

Willie Spence is from Douglas, Georgia and he traveled all the way to San Diego, California for his ‘American Idol’ audition. The 21-year-old works as a caretaker. “I came here because this is what I want to do. I don’t see myself being anything other than a singer. Music has always been a passion to me. To even have this opportunity to audition for American Idol is such a blessing.” Spence also shed light on his health scare and revealed how we went from 600 pounds to 400 pounds. “I turned myself into the hospital to get a checkup because I had pain in my chest and the doctors told me that they found fluid in my lungs. I weighed 600 pounds. When they told me that, I knew I had to focus more on my health. I went from 600 to 400 pounds.”

As soon as Spence finished his song, Richie jumped with excitement and said that this is what they have been looking for the whole time. Equally impressed, Katy and Luke also could not stop praising the versatile crooner. Spence also shed light on how he wants to win a Grammy after Katy asked about his future plans. “I just want my voice to reach the world and share my gift, hopefully, winning a Grammy one day. That’s where I see myself in 5 years. It’s going to take hard work, but I think I can do it.”  Making him believe in his dream, Luke asserted, “That Grammy is attainable, no doubt in my mind. When you start singing, I see your lifetime. I see it all. To watch somebody sing from the place I try to sing from, the purest place in the world … it just comes out of your heart and your brain.” After getting a thrilling response from the judges, he finally earned his Golden Ticket to Hollywood. 

‘Absolutely phenomenal’

‘American Idol’ fans who were catching the show live rushed to Twitter to praise the contestant. One user said, “@rihanna Grrrlll you better listen to Willie Spence sing Diamonds on American Idol. Amaze balls!  And I’m sure I’m one of many who are telling you this - he’s THAT good! One stated, “Willie Spence! Out here singing rihanna on her birthday and slaying omg the goosebumps I got wow #AmericanIdol”

Another added, “Willie Spence just sung the hell out of Diamonds by Rihanna on American Idol just now!!!!” The next one shared, “Whew. Willie Spence. What he can do with a melody. Without any effort. Right up there with the best #AmericanIdol auditions ever.” One individual tweeted, “Willie Spence really just gave me full body chills holy f**k. lowkey crying heehee #AmericanIdol” One concluded, “Willie Spence on American Idol...my god, that voice was absolutely phenomenal @AmericanIdol”