Simon Cowell, who first discovered Payne in 2008 during a talent competition X factor before Payne returned in 2010 to add another, having spoken out for the first time since Liam Payne’s death.
On his Instagram account, Cowell released a lengthy statement on October 18.
“You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. Liam, I’m devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And I want you to know I have so much love and respect for you. Every tear I shed is a memory of you,” he began.
Cowell shared that it was “difficult” to put his feelings “into words” before looking back at the time they shared.
“I was out today and I was thinking about the many times we were together. I want to tell you something I always tell thousands of people who always ask me. What’s Liam like? And I’m going to tell them that you’re kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused and how much you love music and how much you really love your fans,” he said.
Cowell then reminisced about the first time they met on X factor. One Direction was famously established on the British version of the show after the members — Payne as well as Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson — initially auditioned solo.
“And we both promised that we would meet again. A lot of people would have given up. I didn’t. I came back and within months the whole world knew [sic] Lam. And you never forget the fans. I’ve seen you spend a lot of time with people who want to see you. You really care,” he shared.
Cowell revealed that Payne came to see him “last year”, not “to meet” but “just to sit and talk.” During that time, the couple reminisced about their memories of how proud Payne was as a father.
“After you left, I was reminded that you were still the same sweet, kind boy I met many years ago. I met your son, Bear. He had your smile and the look in his eyes. sparkles like you. And he would be very proud of everything you achieved and how you achieved it,” Cowell continued.
“Cowell said that he always considered the five members of One Direction to be ‘brothers,’ which he said was evident in their posts about Payne.
“Regarding their message today, I believe you are too,” he wrote. “And now Liam, I can see the impact you have had on so many people. Because you left us too soon. Rest in peace my friend. And I send my love, thoughts and words My prayers go out to your family,” he finished.
Despite his heartfelt words, Cowell has previously been the center of scrutiny when it comes to Payne’s struggles before his death with many citing Cowell’s push for One Direction. Cowell formed the upper body band X factor after all members had auditioned as solo artists.
“When you’re doing hundreds and hundreds [concerts] and it’s the same 22 songs at the same time every day, even if you’re not happy, you’ve got to go out there,” Payne told Men’s Health Australia in 2019.
“It’s almost like putting on your Disney costume before you go on stage and underneath the Disney costume, I get frustrated a lot of times because there’s no other way for you to understand what’s going on. . I mean it’s interesting. We’ve had an absolute blast but there are parts of it that are a bit toxic,” Payne added.
Before X factor star Katie Waissel took to X to criticize Cowell after Payne’s passing.
“My heart is completely torn apart right now, I’m speechless. If Simon Cowell dares to make a statement about the tragic, painful loss of my dear friend Liam, he will be a fool. We all know the truth… and I’m sure it will all be revealed,” she wrote.
My heart is completely torn apart right now, I am completely speechless. If Simon Cowell dares to make a statement in light of the tragic, painful loss of my dear friend Liam then he would be a fool. We all know the truth… and I am sure all will be revealed.…
– Katie Waissel (@katiewaissel24) October 16, 2024
“Rip Liam Payne. What tragic news. I think from now on, it would be a wise move for record companies to have psychologists put their names in their books to commemorate remember him as a duty of care to the vulnerability of their young talent. especially in today’s world. A lot of money. No one can help. A lot of people have no one to cultivate,” another person wrote.
Rip Liam Payne. Such tragic news. I think that from now on, it would be a wise move for record companies to have psychologists put names in their books in his memory as a duty of care to hurt of their young talent. Reputation can be very damaging, especially in today’s world. So many…
— Mikey Graham / Boyzone (@MRMIKEYGRAHAM) October 16, 2024
Payne was 31 years old and died after falling off a balcony in Argentina. However, there are still many questions surrounding his death.
Tags Simon Cowell, Liam Payne, One Direction