Simon Cowell expressed his heartbreak and sadness weeks after Nolan Neal, "America's Got Talent" and "The Voice" contestant, died.
The late singer succumbed in July following his battle with substance abuse. The viewers of the talent shows and the judges - including Cowell - were left shocked by his untimely passing.
In a new interview with PEOPLE, the record executive noted that similar incidents happen over the years.
"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," he said. "At that moment, it's like, 'What can I say?' The unfortunate thing is it's happened too many times and every time it happens, it's hard."
Cowell also referenced Nightbirde's death in February and opened up about how losing these people has been tough for everyone.
Despite having a broken heart after hearing the contestants' stories, he shared that he learned something from Neal's death. For the judge, trying to stay positive and healthy will help someone prepare for tough days.
How Did Nolan Neal Die?
Cowell's heartfelt statement a month after Neal's death was publicized. According to the local medical examiner's office, the Nashville-based singer passed away on July 18.
His cousin, Dylan Seals, was the one who found him dead in his apartment.
The exact cause of death was not disclosed, but Seals said Neal "ultimately succumbed to his battle with substance abuse." It was also detailed that there was a guitar pick that had powder residue and a note that divulged his substance abuse issues.
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Before his death, he opened up to WBIR in 2020 that he struggled with substance abuse in the past years. The singer added that he went to rehab in 2010.
"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," he said.
Even when he was competing on "The Voice," Neal reportedly continued drinking and "lost his way." Eventually, he found a way to remain sober.
Still, Neal tragically dealt with loss when his father died to suicide.
Neal participated in Season 15 of "The Voice" but was eventually eliminated from the competition.
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