Simon Cowellis expressing his sadness after thedeathof formerAmerica’s Got Talentcontestant,Nolan Neal.
Weeks after Nealdied at age 41following an ongoing battle with substance abuse, Cowell shared his thoughts on the tragedy with PEOPLE.
“Unfortunately, it happens too much over the years,” Cowell, 62, says ahead ofAGT’s live shows on Tuesday. “I was thinking about this the other day. People [who] passed too soon. Every time it happens, because you’ve gotten to know them, it’s horrible.”
“At that moment, it’s like, ‘What can I say?'” he notes. “The unfortunate thing is it’s happened too many times and every time it happens, it’s hard.”
Simon Cowell (left) and Nolan Neal.Amy Sussman/Getty, Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty
Referencing the Februarydeath of fellowAGTcontestant Nightbirde, who was also his Golden Buzzer selection in season 16, Cowell says: “After the last three years, it’s been tough. And then, you think everything’s okay and then something hits you like a story like that and it’s hard.”
“But all I can say is, what I’ve learned from this, is that you just take every day as it is and you try and stay positive, you try and stay healthy,” he adds. “That’s it. I mean, I was talking about this to someone earlier on, you’re never prepared for these days.”
Neal’s death was announced last month. The local medical examiner’s office confirmed toTMZthat the Nashville-based artist died on July 18, and Neal’s cousinDylan Sealsalso confirmed to the news outlet that he was found dead in his apartment.
The late musician’s cousin also called him “one of the most talented people” he’s ever met while working in the entertainment industry. “He was always open and honest about [his substance abuse] struggle,” Seals said. “He was a loving father and son. A light to all who knew him. My heart goes out to his two children and his mother Cathy.”
“The expenses that come from this are extensive as we are trying to prepare for his funeral and fly in his son & loved ones,” her statement continued. “If you want to help in anyway, you can donate here. Anything is appreciated and I am so grateful for the community rallying behind us.”
Nolan Neal on AGT.Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Two years before his death, Neal competed onAmerica’s Got Talent. He auditioned withan original song called “Lost” but was later eliminated in the Judges’ Choice section of the Quarterfinals.
Prior to his time onAGT, Neal competed onThe Voice’s 15th season, airing in 2016. His audition performance of the Incubus song “Drive” allowed him to nab a spot onAdam Levine’s team, but he was eventually eliminated from the competition.
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Neal had previously opened up about his struggles with substance abuse.
“I remember I got clean in 2010; May 15, went to rehab. Stayed clean,” Neal toldWBIRin 2020. “I joined the rock band Hinder, they were all about drinking and partying. This is not their fault. I had decided I wanted to drink like a normal person. I remember trying to be normal and fitting in. I remember going to a bar and ordering a drink. I tried to hide it. I remember pretending to be normal. I was just lying to myself telling myself that I could control it.”
Neal even admitted to having “lost my way onThe Voice” as he continued drinking while competing on the show. But he eventually discovered a process that worked for him and allowed him to remain sober.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.Support is also available atAmerican Addiction Centers.
source: people.com
