Luke Bryan reflects on ‘American Idol’ star Willie Spence’s death at 23: ‘It just breaks my heart’

Luke Bryan is still heartbroken over “American Idol” alum Willie Spence’s death more than three years later.

The “Play It Again” singer reflected on Spence’s passing in October 2022 at the age of 23 during an interview with Billboard published Friday.

“The first thing that popped in my mind is: I would have cherished more moments with Willie Spence,” Bryan, 49, said when asked what he would change about his nine-season run as an “American Idol” judge.

“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 country star continued.

After noting that Spence grew up just an hour away from his own Leesburg, Ga., hometown, Bryan shared that the “American Idol” alum’s death “really affected” him.

“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,” the “Buy Dirt” crooner said.

Bryan went on to acknowledge that the death of former contestants like Spence is a “sad reality” of “American Idol” being on for as long as it has.

“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.”

Ryan Seacrest, 51, also shared his thoughts about Spence’s passing during the candid Billboard interview.

“You don’t think those things are ever going to happen,” Seacrest, who has hosted “American Idol” since its 2002 debut, said.

 “When you’ve got that kind of history and the legacy in this show and touched so many different lives and people, it’s never something that you ever think about when you start this, but it is inevitably part of life,” the “Wheel of Fortune” host added.

Spence tragically passed away from injuries he sustained in a car accident in Jasper, Tenn., on Oct. 11, 2022. He was 23.

The talented singer competed during Season 19 of “American Idol,” which aired in 2021. He finished as runner-up behind Chayce Beckham.

Spence sang “Georgia on My Mind,” “A Change Is Gonna Come” and “Stand Up” during the Season 19 finale.

Both “American Idol” and Bryan took to social media to remember the late singer after the news of Spence’s death.

“We are devastated about the passing of our beloved ‘American Idol’ family member, Willie Spence,” the show tweeted at the time. “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.”

“Willie really did light up every room he walked into,” Bryan added in his own social media post. “He could change the mood instantly when he started singing. He will truly be missed.”