Singer Nolan Nealwho was a contestant on both America’s Got Talent and The Voice has died. He was 41.
Neal was found dead in his Nashville apartment on Monday, July 18, with no cause of death yet determined. That said, he did have a self-admitted history of drug abuse.
His passing was announced on his official fan page Nolan Neal Navy, which posted a message saying: “Sing in peace with the angels. The world is missing a bright light and Heaven just got a new music director. 10.05.80- 07.18.22.”
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America’s Got Talent judge Simon Cowell weighed in on the late contestant’s death before the live shows began tonight.
“Unfortunately, it happens too much over the years,” Cowell, 62 told people. “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 said. “The unfortunate thing is it’s happened too many times and every time it happens, it’s hard.”
Originally published July 20: On Wednesday, Neal’s daughter, Caylin Cate, launched a GoFundMe page, which was posted on his official Facebook page, to raise money for her father’s funeral expenses. In one hour, more than $1,200 was raised to help the Neal family with funeral arrangements. The fundraiser is posted on Neal’s verified Facebook page, but here’s the direct link.
Neal appeared on America’s Got Talent in 2020. He made an impression in the season 15 quarterfinals with his performance of his original song “Send Me A Butterfly.” Another memorable performance was his original song “Lost,” which he said he wrote after getting clean.
Ten NBC’s The Voice in 2016, Neal landed a spot on Adam Levine‘s team following his performance of Incubus’ “Drive” before his elimination.