Silke Jasso
During Hollywood Week on Season 19 of American Idol in 2021, producers paired up two powerhouse singers, Willie Spence and Kya Moneé, for a breathtaking duet of Rihanna’s “Stay.” The performance was so moving that all three judges were on their feet, and Katy Perry was even brought to tears.
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“That was divine, what an experience. … You fractured us,” Lionel Richie stated as Willie and Kya passed through to the next round with “flying colors.”
Spence went on to become the runner-up and quickly established himself as one of the greatest singers ever to compete on American Idol. He even received an invitation to sing the U.K. national anthem for Queen Elizabeth II and earned the nickname “Willie Pavarotti.” Moneé, unfortunately, received very little screen time during Season 19 and was eliminated before the top 24 episodes. However, despite this setback, both singers remained very close friends during and after the show. When the 21st season of American Idol premiered on Sunday, Moneé returned to audition to honor Spence.
Judges Praise Willie Spence & Kya Moneé Duet That Brings Katy Perry To Tears!
“Willie, he always told me, ‘No matter what, you will always be a singer. … I’m going to go with you to American Idol,’” the 21-year-old recalled. “He really made me want to do it, and I’d really love to make it further — but most of all, I want to make Willie proud.”
Willie apparently played a crucial role in helping Moneé select a song for her audition, singing “I’m Here” from The Color Purple. Unfortunately, Spence was unable to accompany her to Idol this year as planned. Spence tragically passed away in a car accident in October 2022 at the young age of 23.
“Three days before he passed, Willie was telling me, ‘You have to go back. You have to chase your dream,’” Moneé told judges on Sunday. “Losing Willie was just very, very hard for me. I’m still trying to cope with that. … He was actually supposed to be here with me today. It’s just very hard to not have that support anymore, but I know that he would want me to be here.”
During her audition, she struggled to hold back tears and choked up several times. However, she powered through the song. Safe to say her outstanding performance would have made Spence proud. The judges were also deeply moved by her performance.
Kya Monée Performs Tearful Tribute To Willie Spence
“I was anticipating this, so I brought two,” Lionel said, handing Kya a spare handkerchief. “That was performance was so emotional, so heartfelt, so divinely guided, in the glorious name of our beast brother, Willie.”
“What a tribute to him, and what a tribute to what you guys were planning to do together,” sLuke Bryan stated. “You just sing like Willie’s still here.”
“It was on another level. It was connected to the pain,” Katy said. “You were authentic — just like he was.”
“I felt like I was able to honor Willie tonight,” she with a Golden Ticket in hand. “I don’t think I would be here if it wasn’t for my best friend Willie, because he made me more confident in myself. Willie, thank you for not letting me give up. This is for you.”
