Singer Nolan Neal, who was a former America’s Got Talent and The Voice competitor, has died at the age of 41.
The precise reason for his death is still unknown. Neal’s cousin Dylan Seals made a statement that he “ultimately succumbed to his battle with substance abuse.” to People magazine.
TMZ reported that the TV star died on Monday. According to TMZ, the medical examiner’s office in Nashville confirmed Seals’ death. The late musician’s cousin told PEOPLE, “He was one of the most talented individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with in the entertainment business.”
“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,” His cousin said. “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.”
He went on, “Three years ago this month, at my request, he sang James Taylor’s ‘Fire and Rain’ at my father’s funeral. It meant the world to me and would have to my father, who was Nolan’s biggest fan. That song has been running through my mind all morning.”
Seals added that he’s “saddened” to learn that Neal “ultimately succumbed to his battle with substance abuse.”
“He was always open and honest about that struggle,” Seals stated. “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.”
On The Voice’s 15th season, which aired in 2016, Neal was a contestant. His audition performance of Incubus’ “Drive” earned him a position on Adam Levine’s team. However, he was eliminated from the competition later on.
In 2020, Neal auditioned for America’s Got Talent with a unique song called “Lost.” He was eliminated in the Judges’ Choice Round of the Quarterfinals.
Neal had been very open about his substance struggles in the past.
“I remember I got clean in 2010; May 15, went to rehab. Stayed clean,” Neal said in a 2020 interview. “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.”
Neal confessed that he “lost my way on The Voice”and was drinking heavily while on the show. However, he eventually discovered a technique that worked for him and allowed him to maintain his sobriety.
“I found happiness by helping others in recovery,” he added. “I found a way to be happy without the things I thought made me happy before.”
