Tributes have been paid to an American Idol finalist, who recorded himself singing a Christian song, just hours before he died in a car accident. 

Willie Spence, 23, from Tennessee, USA, crashed his car veered off Interstate 24 and slammed his car into another vehicle on the side of the road in Marion County.

Just hours before the crash, Willie recorded himself singing an emotional rendition of the Christian song "You Are My Hiding Place" in his parked car.

His family from south Florida said they are heartbroken at the sudden loss in a press conference. 

Cousin Sabrena Cooper told WPBF said: "Willie was our gentle giant. He had such a soft demeanour but a very, very powerful voice. 

"When he opened his mouth and lifted the Lord in song, many would just stop in their tracks to listen to him. 

"Now Willie is in heaven, singing the lead in the heaven's choir."

The singer was preparing to travel with a community marching band to London for a band week next summer.

Willie was American Idol show's runner-up in season 19.

Fans were quick to write tributes to him on his last Instagram post. 
One Instagram user wrote: "You shined down here, but now you're shining even brighter up there,' one fan wrote. 'Such a beautiful soul."

"Singing to the angels now. Rest in Peace Willie,' another added along with a heart and prayer hands."