Simon Cowell on the ‘hard’ loss of ‘America’s Got Talent’ contestant Nolan Neal
Simon Cowell is mourning the recent death of former “America’s Got Talent” contestant Nolan Neal.
The “AGT” judge, 62, opened up to People ahead of one of the reality competition series’ live shows Tuesday about Neal dying “too soon” after a battle with substance abuse, which the late musician had spoken about publicly.
“Unfortunately, it happens too much over the years,” Cowell told the outlet. “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. ... The unfortunate thing is it’s happened too many times and every time it happens, it’s hard.”
Neal’s death followed that of 31-year-old former contestant Jane “Nightbirde” Marczewski in February after her 4-year battle with cancer, which also affecting Cowell deeply.
“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,” Cowell told People. “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. ... You’re never prepared for these days.”
Neal, who also competed on “The Voice,” died last month at age 41 and his cause of death has not yet been determined. Authorities at the time told TMZ a guitar pick that “appeared to contain a powder residue” was found next to his bed at his Nashville apartment where he was found.
