It is with a heavy heart that Simon Cowell shares his shock and sadness over the death of Liam Payne.
Simon Cowell’s first reaction to Liam Payne’s tragic and unexpected death was not a public statement.
Like everyone else, he was still organizing his thoughts, expecting answers, and gathering his thoughts.
Now, the man who helped form One Direction in the first place has released an official statement.
Simon Cowell attends the Britain’s Got Talent 2024 photocall on January 25, 2024. (Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images)
Two days after Liam Payne’s sudden death, Simon Cowell has released a response
“You never know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens,” he began posting on Instagram on Friday, Oct. 18.
“Liam, I’m absolutely devastated,” Simon Cowell said. “My heart hurts. And I feel empty.”
He asserted: All the tears I shed are memories of you. ”
Liam Payne attended the MTV VMA Kickoff Concert hosted by DirecTV Now at Terminal 5 on August 19, 2018. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for MTV & DIRECTV NOW)
“I just wanted to say what I’ve always wanted to say to the thousands of people who ask me all the time: Who is Liam?” Simon Cowell continued with his words to the late Liam Payne .
“And I told them, you’re kind, you’re funny, you’re sweet, you’re thoughtful, you’re talented, you’re humble, you’re focused,” he shared. His post continued: “And how much you loved music. And how much love you truly had for your fans.”
It’s been years since Simon Cowell became Liam Payne’s (and all of One Direction) manager. However, he revealed that he and Liam only met last year and it was “not to meet” and “just to sit and talk.”
I’m glad I caught up
“We remembered the good times we had together,” Simon Cowell said of the meeting. “And how proud you were to be a father.”
“After you left, I remembered that you remained the sweet and kind boy I met all those years ago.”
Simon Cowell initially had to tell 14-year-old Liam Payne that it was “not the right time” for him to aim for stardom, but then he met the late singer’s seven-year-old son Bear. “He’s got your smile and the sparkle in your eyes. And he’ll be so proud of everything you’ve accomplished. And how you accomplished it.”
Simon Cowell attends the “America’s Got Talent” red carpet at Hotel Dena on September 20, 2023. (Photo by Fraser Harrison/Getty Images)
Simon Cowell has said of Liam Payne’s former bandmates Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson: “I always thought of the five of us in the band as brothers.”
“And as I read their messages today, I think you did too,” he continued.
This line was used by former One Direction bandmates to pay tribute to Liam Payne following his death.
Liam Payne performs on stage at the 2020 Laureus World Sports Awards held at Verti Music Hall on February 17, 2020. (Photo by: Andreas Rentz/Getty Images for Laureus)
Simon Cowell wrote a very thoughtful eulogy
“And now, Liam, I see the impact you have had on so many people,” he declared. “Because you left us too soon.”
Liam Payne was only 31 years old when he died. he was a father. He was loved by millions of people.
Simon Cowell helped form One Direction when it was just a collection of individual contestants. X factor. Together, these five young singers left an indelible mark on the music world. I really missed Liam Payne.
