Liam Payne of One Direction has tragically died aged just 31. He leaves behind his seven-year-old son, Bear, friends, and family. The X Factor star and singer was just seen attending his bandmate and friend Niall Horan’s concert in Argentina last month. As news keeps coming out, fans are left devastated, wondering exactly what happened to the young star.
Liam Payne’s rise to fame on The X Factor with One Direction
In 2008, Liam had no idea his life would change forever after his X Factor audition. The UK native was just 14 years old when he first stepped before the judges. There, he met Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh, and Cheryl Cole. He bravely told the judges, “A lot of people say I’m a good singer, and I’ve got the X Factor. But I don’t really know what the X Factor is, and I believe you guys do.” He chose to sing Fly Me to the Moon by Frank Sinatra, and after a short discussion, Liam made it to the Judges’ Houses. Sadly, he was eliminated and told to return in two years.
But just like clockwork, Liam returned to the X Factor stage in 2010. Now just 16 years old, the judges felt he was old enough to go farther in the competition. Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall, and Zayn Malik auditioned, as luck would have it. However, with such talent, the judges decided to make a boyband, and thus, Liam’s life would be changed forever. One Direction was formed and came in third during that year’s grand finale. But Simon didn’t waste a moment and signed the band to his label, Syco Entertainment.
Liam Payne’s life after The X Factor
In 2011, after The X Factor, One Direction released their first album, Up All Night. The band’s first single, What Makes You Beautiful, arguably shaped a generation. The song shot to number one on the UK charts. Sadly, in 2016, One Direction announced its hiatus during the Asia leg of its tour. Rumors then began to swirl that some members had conflict, and wanted to try and carve out a solo career.
One Direction released its fifth and final album, Drag Me Down, with Liam being one of the primary songwriters. He was credited for co-writing more than half of their songs for the albums Midnight Memories, and Four. Liam and his bandmates created five albums altogether, partook in multiple world tours, and helped fans everywhere realize that they are beautiful.
Liam Payne had a child with Cheryl Cole
The One Direction star and the Girls Aloud singer had a high-profile relationship between 2015 to 2017. The duo first met at Liam’s first audition. But it wasn’t until 10 years later that a spark was ignited. The duo started off as friends, according to the Daily Mail. In a 2020 interview with Esquire, Liam said, “Let’s address the elephant in the room. Obviously, the future mother of my son is sitting in that chair. This is now an episode of How I Met Your Mother, so that’s enough of that I think.”
With a 10-year age gap, the couple made their red carpet debut at the Global Gift Gala in May 2016. In 2017, they confirmed that they were expecting their first child, a son. Liam put out a touching social media post, where he wrote wrote, “My close friends and family know there are very few times when I’m left speechless… wow! I’m incredibly happy to welcome our new baby boy into the world.”
Liam Payne’s tragic death at 31 in Argentina
On October 16, news broke that Liam had died after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The local police told CNN that Liam’s body was discovered after emergency services responded to a call from staff at a hotel. The emergency call, which the outlet obtained, was translated. It heard the manager saying, “We have a guest who is overwhelmed with drugs and alcohol. He breaks things up. He is tearing the whole room apart.” The hotel manager then told the dispatcher that Liam’s room had a balcony and “we’re a little afraid that he’ll do something.”
Tributes pour in for Liam Payne following his death
As news broke about the 31-year-old’s death, tributes started to pour in on Instagram. Harry’s mom, Anne Twist, wrote “Just a Boy” with a heart meme. The former host of X Factor, Dermot O’Leary, wrote, “The worst news. I remember him as a 14-year-old turning up to audition on The X Factor and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing. He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble.” A vigil is being held outside the hotel in Buenos Aires also to honor Liam.
Liam’s family broke their silence earlier today (October 17, 2024). “We are utterly devastated by the news,” they said. “We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this awful time.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also sent his “sincere condolences” to Liam’s friends and family.
