Simon Cowell has paid tribute to Darius Campbell Danesh, calling his death an "absolute tragedy".
The pair appeared on Pop Idol together back in 2002, with Syco boss Simon in the judging seat as Darius impressed with his vocal talents.
Devastatingly, Darius' family announced that the Pop Idol contestant turned successful theatre star had died aged 41 after his body was found in his Minnesota apartment. His cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
