‘Devastated’ Simon Cowell pays tribute to Liam Payne | Ents & Arts News
Simon Cowell has said he is “devastated” and “heartbroken” over the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne.
The X Factor judge – who mentored the band on the show and later signed them to his label – posted a tribute on Instagram to the 31-year-old singer.
Payne died on Wednesday after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina.
“You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens,” Cowell wrote.
“Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. And 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 I thought about so many times we had together.”
Liam Payne and Simon Cowell at the Brit Awards in 2017. Pic: Rex/Shutterstock
Cowell continued: “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, focused.
“And how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans.”
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Cowell said he had met Payne’s son Bear, adding that the boy had the singer’s “smile and that twinkle in his eye that you have”.
“He will be so proud of everything you achieved. And how you achieved it,” Cowell added.
Read more:
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The music mogul finished his tribute with the words: “I always thought the 5 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.”
He added: “I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family. Simon X”.
It comes after Payne’s One Direction bandmates issued their own tributes to the singer.
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