‘The Voice’ and ‘America’s Got Talent’ Contestant Nolan Neal Dead at 41

America's Got Talent Live! The All Stars Tour logo captured on the big screen onstage during opening night Salina, Kan., on Oct. 6, 2015. Fernando Leon/Getty Images for Faculty Productions

Nolan Neal, a former contestant on both “America’s Got Talent” and “The Voice,” was found dead in his Nashville apartment this week, according to a relative. He was 41.

Neal’s roommate called authorities after finding his body in a bedroom, TMZ reported. Officers responding to the call said they found a guitar pick that “appeared to contain a powder residue” next to the late singer’s bed.

According to a medical examiner, Neal died on July 18. No official cause of death has been given.

The Nashville-born musician, who appeared on the 10th season of “The Voice” and the 15th season of “America’s Got Talent,” has been very vocal about his struggle with substances and addiction.

In an interview with WBIR in 2020, Neal revealed that he was still battling his addiction during his time on “The Voice.”

“I kind of lost my way on ‘The Voice’ and continued drinking,” he told the local NBC affiliate.

Neal said his drinking habit worsened after joining the rock band Hinder. He explained that at first, he tried to “drink like a normal person,” telling himself that he could control it and stay moderate.

“I remember I got clean in 2010; May 15, went to rehab. Stayed clean,” the singer explained. “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.”

The American singing-reality competition TV series “The Voice” said in a statement on Twitter that everyone at the franchise is “heartbroken by the passing” of Neal.

“His incredible talent will always be remembered. Our sincerest sympathy goes out to his family and friends during this time,” said the singing talent show.

Dylan Seals, the cousin of the late musician, described Neal as a “natural-born entertainer,” according to a statement shared with celebrity-focused magazine PEOPLE.

“He blew us all away with his incredibly powerful vocal delivery and songwriting,” said Seals, who is an audio engineer.

“Working with him in the studio was awe-inspiring,” the statement went on to say. “The speed at which he could write, arrange, and record the basics of a track was legendary. He was pure creative energy. He put everything he had in the music. He sang from deep within his soul. Upon reflection this morning, it was likely his tortured soul crying out. Music was life or death for him. It was everything.”

In conclusion, Seals noted that he was “saddened” after learning that Neal “ultimately succumbed to his battle with substance abuse.”

“He was always open and honest about that 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.”

From NTD News