Music mogul Simon Cowell has described the death of Darius Danesh last week as "an absolute tragedy".
The singer, who appeared as a contestant on Pop Idol two decades ago, was found dead in his Minnesota hotel room at the age of 41 on August 11, with no immediate cause of death apparent.
Cowell was a key part of the judging panel that put Danesh through to the final stages of Pop Idol in 2001 and was one of his biggest supporters as he made it through to finish third.
"I first saw Darius on television over 20 years ago and I got to know him really well," Cowell said in a statement.
"He was charismatic, funny and just a great person to be with.
"His passing, for someone so young, is an absolute tragedy and my heart goes out to his family and friends."
Medical investigations are continuing in the US in order to determine the cause of Danesh's death.
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