TV/Film

13 Oct 2022

‘American Idol’ & Judges React to Willie Spence’s Death: ‘He Was a True Talent’

American Idol has lost one of its brightest contestants, and the show and its judges are speaking out about Willie Spence’s death.

The general American Idol account Instagram shared a video from his audition with Lionel Richie, Luke Bryan and Katy Perry. “We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence,” the show’s account captioned the video of the runner-up for the 2021 season. “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.”

Idol also shared its condolence post to Twitter, which Bryan replied to with his deepest sympathies. “Willie really did light up every room he walked into. He could change the mood instantly when he started singing. He will truly be missed,” the country singer wrote.

Richie also shared his sadness and posted a video of the late star performing Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain” on American Idol. “Your light will always shine in this world. We were so blessed to get a chance to see you shine,” he captioned the video. “My thoughts and prayers are with Willie’s family. Rest well my friend.”

Perry acknowledged Spence’s passing on Instagram as well, sharing Idol‘s Instagram post to her Story, and responding to the show’s post in the comments. “I love you Willie… purest soul,” she wrote. “Sing with the angels my darling.”

Host Ryan Seacrest also addressed the loss. Like the “Firework” singer, he also shared the show’s post, this time on Twitter. “Everybody on and off set loved him,” he tweeted. “@Williespence you’ll be deeply missed.”

Idol alum Katharine McPhee-Foster first shared the news of Spence’s death via an Instagram Story on Tuesday, and revealed the 23-year-old singer had died in a car accident.

See the Idol cast’s reactions to Spence’s death below.

13 Oct 2022

Here Are All of ‘American Idol’ Star Willie Spence’s Performances

Willie Spence marked second place during his run on the 2021 season of American Idol. Still, he was known as one of the most notable singers to come out of the show with powerhouse covers from artists that include Rihanna, Beyonce, Adele, Coldplay and more.

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Unfortunately, the 23-year-old lost his life in a car accident while driving back to Atlanta from Tennessee on Tuesday (Oct. 12). He reportedly crashed into a tractor-trailer parked on the side of the road, TMZ reported. However, it was local news site Douglas Now that was first to report the news about the crash.

The news was also shared by his fellow Idol alum Katharine McPhee-Foster, who took to her Instagram story on Tuesday (Oct. 11) to share her condolences. “Only 23 years old. Life is so unfair, and nothing is ever promised,” she wrote. “God rest your soul Willie. It was a pleasure to sing with you and to know you.”

McPhee and Spence rocked the Idol house during a duet of Celine Dion and Andrea Bocelli’s “The Prayer” during season 19.

Additionally, Idol paid tribute to Spence by posting a video featuring the singer’s audition with the message: “We are devastated about the passing of our beloved American Idol family member, Willie Spence. 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.”

In honor of Spence’s life and legacy, Billboard put together a list of his rocking performances during his time on Idol. Check them out below.

“Diamonds,” Rihanna

“Stay,” Rihanna ft. Mikky Ekko

“Glory,” Common & John Legend

“Stand Up,” Harriet

“I Was Here,” Beyoncé

“Set Fire To The Rain,” Adele

“Stand Up,” Cynthia Ervio

“Wind Beneath My Wings,” Bette Midler

“A Change Is Gonna Come,” Sam Cooke

“Circle of Life,” The Lion King

“Diamonds,” Rihanna

“Rather Be,” Clean Bandit & Jess Glynne

“Yellow,” Coldplay

“What They’ll Say About Us,” FINNEAS

“Never Be Alone,” Willie Spence

“You Are The Reason,” Leona Lewis & Calum Scott

“Georgia on My Mind,” Ray Charles

“You Are So Beautiful,” Joe Cocker

12 Oct 2022

Jonathan Groff Says Lea Michele ‘Was New York to Me’ in Touching Tribute

Actor Jonathan Groff shared a touching tribute to his pal and former Spring Awakening co-star Lea Michele — and New York through her eyes — in a self-penned essay published by Variety on Wednesday (Oct. 12).

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The actress, known most notably for her role as Rachel Berry in Glee, is back in the Big Apple 13 years after her debut in Les Misérables to make her return to Broadway as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl. “By bringing big business back to Broadway, Lea isn’t just making audiences happy, she’s helping support the restaurants and hotels that thrive when Broadway draws a huge crowd,” wrote Groff. “By welcoming her back to Broadway, New York is giving Lea the power to reconnect with her truest self. The power of New York finally brought her home.”

Funny Girl has been an economic powerhouse, making $1.6 million in Michele’s first box office week ending Sept. 11. The stunning success is no surprise for Groff, who met Michele in 2005 and knew her primarily as a Broadway star. He fondly painted a picture of his friend in the essay that is authentically New York, complete with one of her grandfathers being involved in the mob. “Lea was New York to me. After our time together in Spring Awakening, Lea ascended to fame with the success of Glee, and left the city,” Groff recounted.

While Groff speaks fondly of Michele’s return to the theater main stage, not everyone is rushing to see her Funny Girl performance. Michele’s Glee co-star, Chris Colfer refused an invite to see her performance, he said in an interview with Sirius XM, referencing rumors of mean-girl behavior displayed by Michele on the Glee set. “My day suddenly just got so full,” Colfer said. “No, I can be triggered at home.”

12 Oct 2022

Here Are All of Taylor Swift’s Acting Roles, From ‘Amsterdam’ to ‘Valentine’s Day’

Taylor Swift will always be a singer-songwriter first and foremost, but when she isn’t penning No. 1 hits or selling out stadiums on tour, the pop star sometimes trade in her guitar for a script. Since rising to fame as a country darling in the 2000s, she’s made cameos in both big screen and small screen projects, be it as a one-time guest on a random episode of CSI or a lead performer in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Cats film adaptation.

But while it may seem as though Swift’s acting career stemmed from her success in music, here’s a little known fact: The Grammy winner actually started out with a love for musical theater. As she told Apple Music’s Zane Lowe in October 2019, “I started out doing musical theater as a kid. It’s what made me fall in love with performing as a medium.”

That said, the musician probably won’t be taking on a second full-time profession any time soon. Three years before appearing in David O. Russell’s Amsterdam — which debuted in theaters Oct. 7, 2022 — she was asked by Webber in an interview for British Vogue whether she’d ever considered fully committing to being an actress.

“I have no idea,” she told the composer, with whom she also composed a song for the movie adaptation of Cats.

“When I was younger, I used to get questions like, ‘Where do you see yourself in 10 years?’ I’d try to answer. As I get older, I’m learning that wisdom is learning how dumb you are compared to how much you are going to know. I really had an amazing time with Cats. I think I loved the weirdness of it. I loved how I felt I’d never get another opportunity to be like this in my life.”

Keep reading to learn about all of Taylor Swift’s acting roles to date.

11 Oct 2022

Blake Shelton Announces He’s Leaving ‘The Voice’: ‘This Show Has Changed My Life’

Blake Shelton — who has been a coach on NBC’s The Voice since it premiered in 2011 — won’t be turning his red chair around for much longer. The country superstar revealed on Tuesday (Oct. 11) that he will be leaving the singing competition after next season.

“This show has changed my life in every way for the better and it will always feel like home to me,” Shelton wrote in a statement posted to social media. “It’s been a hell of a ride over these 12 years of chair turns and I want to thank everyone at The Voice from NBC, every producer, the writers, musicians, crew and catering people, you are the best. It takes a lot of work, passion, and adult beverages (Ha!) to pull off a live show twice a week.”

He continued, “I’ve made lifelong bonds with Carson and every single one of my fellow coaches over the years, including my wife Gwen Stefani!”

The singer concluded his statement by thanking the contestants and the fans. “It would not happen without you,” he wrote.

While Shelton will be departing The Voice, fans will get to enjoy his banter for a while longer, as season 22 is in the midst of its knockout rounds, and season 23 is just around the corner after that. As coach, the “Boys ‘Round Here” singer remains the statistically best coach in terms of winning seasons — having crowned a champ from his team in eight of the show’s 21 seasons.

In addition, NBC revealed its coaches for season 23, which includes Shelton and The Voice veteran Kelly Clarkson. Newcomers Niall Horan and Chance the Rapper will also join the judges panel.

See Shelton’s full statement posted to Twitter below.