SIMON Cowell has paid tribute to Liam Payne following his tragic death aged 31.
Singer Liam has been confirmed dead after falling from a third-floor hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.
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Simon paid tribute to Liam Payne after his tragic deathCredit: Shutterstock
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Liam passed away yesterday afternoon in Buenos Aires Credit: Instagram
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He personally brought One Direction together on The X Factor after they auditioned as solo acts Credit: PA Wire
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In his long essay, the music mogul recalled their long-standing friendship
Now Simon, 65 – who first met Liam when he was 14 – has shared a touching post on his Instagram page.
He posted a series of graphic slides with a long essay on the social media platform.
It read: “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 how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I’ve shed is in memory of you.
“This is so hard to put into words right now.”
The music mogul continued his lengthy essay, writing, “Today I went outside and thought about so much time we had together.
It comes as…
“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 that you are kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, focused.”
“And how much you truly loved the fans.”
“I had to tell you when you were 14 that this was not your time. And we both promised to meet again.
“A lot of people would have given up. You didn’t. You came back and in a few months the whole world knows Liam.
“And you never forgot your fans. I watched you spend so much time with people who wanted to meet you. You really cared.
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“You came to my place last year. Not on a date. Just to sit and talk. And we remembered all the fun times we had together.
“And how proud you were to become a dad. After you left, I was reminded that you were still the sweet, sweet boy I met all those years ago.”
Simon also spoke about the bond he shared with Liam’s seven-year-old son Bear.
“I met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in your eye,” he wrote.
Simon Cowell’s statement in full
You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens.
Liam, I’m devastated. Broken hearted. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I shed is a memory of you.
This is so hard to put into words right now. Today I went outside and thought about so much time we spent together. I wanted to tell you what I would always tell thousands of people who would always ask me. What’s Liam like? And I would tell them that you are kind, witty, sweet, attentive, talented, modest, focused. And how much you truly loved the fans.
I had to tell you when you were 14 that this was not your time. And we both promised to meet again. A lot of people would give up. You didn’t. You’re back and in a few months the whole world knows Liam. And you never forgot the fans. I watched you spend so much time with people who wanted to get to know you. You really care.
You came to see me last year. Not for a meeting. Just sitting and talking. And we remembered all the fun times we spent together. And how proud you were to be a dad. After you left, I was reminded that you are still the sweet, kind boy I met all those years ago.
I met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that sparkle in his eyes that you have too. And he will be so proud of all you have accomplished. And how you achieved it.
I’ve always considered the five of you in the band to be brothers. And regarding their messages today, I believe you are.
And now Liam, I see the effect you’ve had on so many people. Because you left us too soon.
Rest in peace my friend. And I send my love, thoughts and prayers to your family.
Simon X.
“And he’ll be so proud of everything you’ve accomplished. And how you’ve accomplished it.”
In his third slide, Simon added: “I always thought the five of you in the band were brothers. And as for their messages today, I believe you are.
“And now Liam, I see the effect you had on so many people. Because you left us too soon.”
He added: “Rest in peace my friend. And sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family. Simon X.”
Liam, I’m devastated. Broken hearted. And I feel empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you
Simon Cowell
In 2008, Liam had his first audition for Simon’s X Factor, but was unsuccessful. However, he returned in 2010 and was placed in One Direction, alongside Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson.
After working with the boys on their huge international success, Simon once admitted he was “annoyed” when Liam chose another label for his solo career.
He told The Sun: “It’s a bit irritating to be honest with you – mainly because it’s another label that now has your artist that you’ve worked with for so many years.
“We talked a lot, he and I, about what he wanted to do next.
Tribute to Liam Payne
SHOCKED friends, family and fans have paid heartbreaking tributes to Liam as news of the singer’s death made its way around the world.
Harry Styles’ mother Anne was among the first from the One Direction camp to share her reaction, posting a photo of Liam and writing ‘Just a boy…’ alongside a heartbroken emoji.
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden shared a picture of the pair together with the words: “What a terrible tragedy.
“Sending love to his family and all who loved him.”
X Factor star Olly Murs has told fans he is “devastated” and “speechless”.
He wrote on social media: “Liam shared the same passions as me, the same dreams so to see his life end now so young is difficult, I am truly heartbroken and devastated for his family and of course his son Bear who is losing his father x”.
Liam Gallagher said he was “very sad” and told his followers on X: “Life is precious Kids, you only get to do it once, take it easy.”
Former X Factor host Dermot O’Leary also expressed his shock and spoke on This Morning today.
He said: “I remember him when he auditioned for X Factor as a 14-year-old and blew us away singing Sinatra. He simply loved to sing.
“He was always joyful, had time for everyone, polite, grateful and always humble.”
BBC Radio 2 presenter Zoe Ball reacted to the “devastating news” on her show today and told fans she gave her own son Woody a big hug this morning.
JLS band member Marvin Humes reflected on his memories with the singer, sharing: “I first met Liam in 2008 with the JLS boys when he was auditioning for X Factor..he was 14..
“We immediately clicked and looked at him as a younger brother.. that year it worked for us, but not for him, and then 2 years later he returned to the audition and One Direction was born.. the rest is history..
“Absolutely devastated by the tragic news..Liam you wanted to be a global superstar and you did it bro..I just can’t believe things ended up like this..it’s shocking..my thoughts and prayers are with all your family and friends bro..RIP.”
Niall Horan’s brother Greg shared an emotional tribute to Liam, hailing him as a “superb young man”.
He added: “We will miss you forever. Liam, words can’t describe how much I want to grab my brother and look after him now as the world shows its memories of you, him and the boys.
“My heart goes out to the parents and sisters of your family and your son Bear and your 1D brothers.
“We met on the 10th of October and we started that night as 5 families into one big 1D family, thank you for all the laughs bro, take care of all your family and take care of them, much love, little xxx 1D 4 LIFE xxx”
German DJ Anton Zaslavski, otherwise known as Zedd, took to Xu with a devastated statement.
The producer, who worked with Liam on his 2017 hit Get Low, wrote: “RIP Liam… I can’t believe this is real… absolutely heartbreaking…”
American singer Charlie Puth, who was friends with Liam and collaborated with him on the song called Bedroom Floor, published a series of Instagram stories dedicated to him.
Alongside photos of the two of them together in their younger days, Charlie wrote: “I’m in shock right now. Liam has always been so kind to me.
“He was one of the first great artists I worked with. I can’t believe he’s gone…
“I’m so upset right now, may she rest in peace. I’m so sorry…”
Irish singing duo Jedward also took to social media, saying: “RIP Liam Payne. Condolences to friends and family.”
In another tweet, they added: “Sending strength to Cheryl and his son Bear. And the whole One direction family. RIP Liam Payne.”
American media personality Paris Hilton shared: “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne’s death. Sending my love and condolences to his family and loved ones. RIP my friend.”
ITV weather presenter Alex Beresford shared a video of Liam’s tragic death on Instagram, adding: “Can’t believe it! RIP Liam.”
Meanwhile, Love Island star Molly Marsh wrote: “I’m so taken aback, rest in peace.”
But Simon admitted he should have approached Liam and expressed an interest in working with him as a solo artist.
He continued: “I’m assuming it’s because I haven’t spoken to Liam, but I’m guessing he read about Harry’s deal and thought we weren’t interested.
“My impression was that he was in no rush to make a record because he discussed it last year.
“He was more into songwriting and I was teasing him saying ‘if you come up with a great song, Liam, make sure it’s for you and don’t give it away. When you’re ready, I am.’
You came to see me last year. Not for a meeting. Just sitting and talking. And we remembered all the fun times we spent together.
Simon Cowell
“I was a bit surprised. You have to remember that I auditioned with Liam when he was 14 or 15 years old.
“He almost made it as a solo artist, then came back and ended up in One Direction.
“So of course there’s a part of you that says ‘maybe we should have talked.’ It might be my fault, but it happened.”
Liam was in Buenos Aires on tour with friend and fellow 1D star Niall when he tragically fell from the third floor on Wednesday afternoon.
Liam, who shared seven-year-old son Bear with ex Cheryl, shared a Snapchat post just minutes before his death showing him and his girlfriend Kate Cassidy looking at each other in the mirror.
The singer-songwriter stayed at the CasaSur hotel in the Palermo district.
Crowds of heartbroken fans have now gathered behind a cordon outside the accommodation to pay their respects.
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Simon formed the band in 2010 and they have become global sensations Credit: Rex
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Their band won third place in the hit show after being mentored by Simon Cowell. Credit: The Mega Agency
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One Direction has sold 70 million records worldwide Credit: Getty – Contributor
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