After an AGT competitor died, Simon Cowell "learned to appreciate

The singer, who had previously advanced to the quarterfinals of media mogul Simon's

NBC talent competition in 2020, died at the age of 41 around the end of July 2022

the SYCO record executive has had a hard time putting into words how he feels after getting

Unfortunately, that has happened far too often throughout the years

he told PEOPLE. The other day, I had this on my mind. People who left this world too soon.

It's terrible every time because you've come to know them. What can I say at that precise moment

"Unfortunately, it has occurred much too often, and each time, it is difficult.

It's been difficult after the previous three years. After that, just when you start

feel like everything is OK, something difficult happens.