Neal died last month after a long struggle with substance abuse.
Simon Cowellis sharing his grief following thetragic deathof formerAmerica’s Got Talentcontestant Nolan Neal.
The singer passed away last month following a battle with substance abuse.
Art Streiber/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images; Chris Haston/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images
Ahead of the competition series on Tuesday, Cowell spoke about the loss as an all-too-common occurrence.
“Unfortunately, it happens too much over the years,” Cowell toldPEOPLE.
“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?'”
The 62-year-old called attention to theshocking passing of Nightbirde, another contestant on the reality competition.
“After the last three years, it’s been tough.
Nightbirde, a breakoutAmerica’s Got Talentcontestant on season 16, died after a battle with cancer in February.
A contestant onThe Voiceas well, Neal died at the age of 41.
Neal appeared on season 11 ofThe Voicein 2016.
He competed on Team Adam Levine before being eliminated in the 13th episode.
The performer was open about his battle with alcohol and drug use during his time on both shows.
Last year, he discussed the difficulties of staying sober withlocal station WBIR.
“I remember I got clean in 2010; May 15, went to rehab.
Stayed clean,” he said.
“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.”
