One Direction co-founder Simon Cowell has paid tribute to Liam Payne, who passed away suddenly on October 16th.
“You don't really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens,” Cowell wrote on Instagram. “Liam, I'm so devastated. My heart is broken. And I feel so empty. And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. All the tears I shed. are all memories with you.
“It's so hard to put this into words right now. Today, I went out and remembered so many things we spent together. To the thousands of people who always ask me, I always want to say I wanted to tell you what kind of person you were, how kind, funny, caring, humble and focused you were, and how much you truly loved your fans. I would like to tell you.”
Liam Payne's One Direction bandmates share 'heartbreaking' final moments in Argentina
Simon Cowell helped found One Direction after the boys auditioned for The X Factor. (Getty Images)
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Mr. Payne died on October 16th. He fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires.
Payne was 14 when she first auditioned for The X Factor in 2008. Two years later, he auditioned again and was selected by Cowell to be a member of the supergroup. The TV judges pitted Payne against Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik and Louis Tomlinson.
They formed the boy band One Direction, which became one of the best-selling groups of all time.
“When you were 14 years old, you had to say this is not the time,” Cowell added. “And we both promised to see each other again. Many people would have given up. You didn't. You came back and within a few months the whole world knew Liam. And you never forgot about the fans. I watched you spend so much time with people who wanted to meet you, you. really cared.
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Liam Payne's preliminary cause of death has been revealed by Argentine authorities. (Getty Images)
“You came to see me last year. Not for a meeting. Just to sit and talk. And we remembered all the good times we had together. And that you are a father. How proud I was. After you left, I remembered that you remained the kind and kind boy I met all those years ago, and I met your son. , he has your smile and the sparkle in your eyes, and he's so proud of everything you've accomplished.
“I always thought of the five people in the band as brothers,” he added. “And as I read their messages today, I think you did. And now, Liam, I see the impact you 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. ”
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One Direction performed in 2012. (Getty Images)
One Direction is known for the hits “What Makes You Beautiful,” “Night Changes,” “Story of My Life,” and “Steal My Girl.”
One Direction released five chart-topping studio albums in five years and embarked on four world tours.
By 2016, One Direction announced an indefinite hiatus to pursue solo projects.
Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Liam Payne and Niall Horan formed One Direction in 2010, but the group went on an indefinite hiatus in 2016. (Getty Images)
The group “will miss him very much.”
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“We are completely devastated by the news of Liam's death.” Statement released by the band he said on social media. “Over time, when we are all able to talk, we will have more to say. But for now, we will take time to grieve and come to terms with the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly.” The memories we shared with him will last forever.''For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who love him along with us. . we love you ”
