When Simon Cowell heard Liam Payne sing on his hit series, The X-Factor, he knew he had a star on his hands. Simon and his fellow famous judge, Nicole Scherzinger, then paired Liam with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik, and the results were mind-boggling. This boy band, One Direction, sold 70 million records, boasting six top 10 hits on Billboard’s Hot 100. Then, just this week, a tragic announcement came, revealing that Liam had passed away at the age of 31. After taking a few beats to process this deeply saddening information, Simon released a statement, noting that he feels empty in the wake of Liam’s untimely exit.
Simon Cowell’s tribute to Liam Payne is heartbreaking, leaving Simon feeling empty
On Wednesday, October 16, Liam fell from a third-floor balcony in Argentina. He did not survive this fall. Today, October 18, Simon went on Instagram and penned a lengthy, meaningful tribute to Liam.
“You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens,” Simon began, immediately punching me in the gut. Simon then spoke to Liam, and I can only imagine how difficult it must have been for him to write these words, which he likely never thought he would have to use.
“Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you,” Simon expressed.
“This is so difficult to put into words right now,” Simon continued. Simon then noted that he wanted to use this opportunity to let everyone know what Liam was like. Whenever anyone would ask this of Simon, he told them that Liam was “kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, [and] focused.”
Simon also loved Liam’s passion for music. “And how much love you genuinely had for the fans,” he emotionally ended, breaking my feelings in turn.
Our hearts remain with all of Liam’s loved ones and fans.
TELL US – DID YOU WATCH LIAM’S HUMBLE BEGINNINGS ON THE X-FACTOR? DO YOU HAVE ANY FUN MEMORIES OF SIMON AND LIAM TO SHARE?
