Simon Cowell has expressed his profound sorrow over the death of former One Direction member Liam Payne, describing his feelings of heartbreak and emptiness at the news of his passing at age 31.
Cowell, who was instrumental in assembling One Direction on the television show *The X Factor* in 2010, recalled Payne as “kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, and talented.”
The British musician tragically died after a fall from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires this past Wednesday.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Cowell, aged 65, revealed his devastation, writing: “Every tear I have shed is a memory of you.”
He said, “You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. Liam, I am devastated, heartbroken, and I feel empty. I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you.
“This is so difficult to put into words right now. I went outside today and thought about the many times we had together. I wanted to let you know what I would always say to the thousands of people who would always ask me, ‘What is Liam like?’
“And I would tell them you were kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, and focused. And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans.”
Payne rose to international stardom with Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, Zayn Malik, and Harry Styles, finishing third in *The X Factor* finale.
Cowell added in his Instagram tribute: “I had to tell you when you were 14 that this wasn’t your time. And we both made a promise that we would meet again. A lot of people would have given up. You didn’t.”
“You came back and within months the whole world knew Liam. And you never forgot the fans. I watched you spend so much time with people who had wanted to meet you. You really cared.
“You came to see me last year, not for a meeting, but just to sit and talk. We reminisced about all the fun times we had together. And how proud you were to be a dad.”
“After you left, I was reminded that you were still the sweet, kind boy I had met all those years ago. I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eye that you have.”
“He will be so proud of everything you achieved and how you achieved it. I always thought of the five of you in the band as brothers. And regarding their messages today, I believe you were.”
“And now, Liam, I can see the effect you had on so many people because you left us too soon. Rest in peace, my friend. I am sending my love, thoughts, and prayers to your family.”
Payne’s girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, also posted a tribute on Instagram. “Thank you for all the kind words and love that have been sent my way,” she wrote.
“I have been at a complete loss. Nothing about the past few days has felt real. I ask and pray that you’ll give me the grace and space to navigate this in private.”
“Liam, my angel, you are everything. I want you to know I loved you unconditionally and completely. I will continue to love you for the rest of my life. I love you, Liam.”
Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Tweedy has shared her grief on Instagram, stating Payne’s death “breaks my heart,” particularly for their seven-year-old son Bear, who now faces a life without his father.
Tweedy, who was with Payne from 2016 to 2018, described the situation as “indescribably painful.”
“As I try to navigate this earth-shattering event and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being.
“Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend, and a father to our seven-year-old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.
“What is troubling my spirit the most is that one day Bear will have access to the abhorrent reports and media exploitation we have seen in the past two days. It is breaking my heart further that I cannot protect him from that in his future.
“I am begging you to consider what use some of these reports are serving, other than to cause further harm to everyone left behind picking up the pieces. Before you leave comments or make videos, ask yourself if you would like your own child or family to read them.”