Simon Cowell has expressed his deep sorrow following the tragic death of Liam Payne, a key figure in the rise of One Direction. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Cowell shared his emotions, stating, “You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. Liam, I am truly devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty.”
Cowell praised Liam’s character, recalling how he often described him as “kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused” and highlighted his love for music and fans. He reminisced about their last meeting, emphasizing the pride Liam had for being a father to his 7-year-old son, Bear.
“I have met Bear, and he has your smile and that twinkle in his eyes,” Cowell wrote. “He will be so proud of everything you achieved.”
Cowell reflected on the brotherhood within One Direction, noting the touching tributes from Liam’s fellow band members. He concluded, “Now Liam, I can see the effect you had on so many people. Because you left us too soon.”
Payne tragically passed away at the age of 31 after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. Details surrounding the incident are still under investigation. Following the news, auditions for “Britain’s Got Talent,” where Cowell serves as a judge, were postponed out of respect.
Liam Payne first appeared on “The X Factor” in 2008, and though he was initially dismissed, he returned in 2010 to form One Direction. The band achieved immense success, selling over 70 million records worldwide before their hiatus in 2016.
