Simon Cowell has shared a tribute to ‘charismatic’ Darius Campbell Danesh after the musician died, aged 41.
The Colourblind singer died on August 11, with his family confirming the sad news earlier today.
Following the announcement, a string of stars have remembered the late star on social media, including Pop Idol runner-up Gareth Gates.
Music mogul and TV judge Cowell, who was on the judging panel of Pop Idol when Campbell Danesh auditioned in 2001, also offered his condolences.
‘I first saw Darius on television over 20 years ago and I got to know him really well,’ he said in a statement via PA.
‘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.’
Nicki Chapman, who was also on the judging panel beside Cowell, Neil Fox and Pete Waterman, tweeted: ‘There will only ever be one Darius Campbell Danesh.
‘A true gent with a kind soul & mischievous tinkle in his eye.
‘From that eventful first audition on Popstars to him kindly inviting me to see him perform on the West End stage.
‘Thoughts are with his family at this sad time.’
Campbell Danesh was found dead in his Minnesota home on August 11, his family confirmed in a statement.
‘It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darius Campbell Danesh. Darius was found unresponsive in bed in his apartment room in Rochester, Minnesota, on August 11 and was pronounced dead in the afternoon by the local medical examiners’ office,’ it read.
‘The local police department have confirmed that there were no signs of intent or suspicious circumstances.
‘The cause of his sudden death is unknown at this stage while medical examinations continue.
‘We ask that you kindly respect our wishes for privacy at this time whilst we come to terms with the tragic loss of our son and brother.’
His cause of death remains unknown.
Campbell Danesh came to fame in 2001 when he auditioned for Popstars, blessing fans with his instantly iconic rendition of Britney Spears’ Baby One More Time.
The following year, he took part on the first series of Pop Idol and reached the final of the ITV competition.
Although he didn’t win the series – as Will Young took home the crown – he became a firm favourite with viewers.
In 2002, he released his debut single Colourblind, with the track hitting the number one spot.
Aside from the charts, Campbell Danesh had a hugely successful career on the stage, appearing in Guys And Dolls, Gone With The Wind and Chicago.
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