Nolan Neal, The Voice and America’s Got Talent Star, Dead at 41

Tragic news out of the world of both television and music:

Nolan Neal, an artist who appeared on both the America’s Got Talent stage and The Voice stage, passed away Monday in Nashville, Tennessee.

He was 41 years old.

According to TMZ, the singer’s roommate called 911 after discovering Neal’s body in the bedroom of his apartment.

Officers tell the website that a guitar pick was also found nearby and it “appeared to contain a powder residue.”

Investigators are still waiting on the full results from the singer’s autopsy, but sources indicate that Neal struggled with substance abuse.

The late musician’s cousin, Dylan Seals, referred to his loved one as “one of the most talented people” he’s ever met while working in the entertainment industry, telling People Magazine:

“He was a natural-born entertainer and it was obvious to all of us from an early age. He blew us all away with his incredibly powerful vocal delivery and songwriting.

“Working with him in the studio was awe-inspiring.

“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.”

Nolan appeared on Season 15 of America’s Got Talent in 2020.

He advanced to the quarterfinals after having opened up during his initial audition about losing a record deal due to addiction.

“I partied hard,” Neal said on air of his response to landing this contract.

“Pretty soon I started to become unmanageable because I thought I was a rock star. I got to New Yorrk to record my record, and I just remember, I couldn’t sing because I was so messed up.

“The label decided to drop me.”

Neal, meanwhile, also competed as a contestant on The Voice Season 15 back in 2016.

His audition performance of the Incubus song “Drive” allowed him to nab a spot on Adam Levine’s team, although he was eventually eliminated from the series.

“I remember I got clean in 2010; May 15, went to rehab. Stayed clean,” Neal told WBIR in 2020.

“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.”

In the end, Seals told People that he’s “saddened” to learn that Neal “ultimately succumbed to his battle with substance abuse,” concluding of his cousin:

“He was always open and honest about that struggle.

“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.”