Around GMA

Article Inside Page

TV personality Simon Cowell, former The X Factor judge who signed One Direction to his label Syco Entertainment, has shared a heartfelt message after Liam Payne's death.

“You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens,” Simon wrote in his Instagram post.

“Liam, I am truly devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty,” the TV personality and record label executive added.

“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.”

Simon added that putting his emotions into words has been hard, he also described Liam as kind, funny, sweet, thoughtful, talented, humble, and focused.

He mentioned how much Liam loved music, and how genuinely he loved his fans.

Simon also recalled Liam's audition for The X Factor when he was just 14 years old. He was eliminated at the boot camp and judges' house stages, and Cowell encouraged him to come back in two years.

During the seventh season of the reality show, Liam auditioned again, and was eventually chosen to be a member of One Direction with the suggestion of Nicole Scherzinger.

“A lot of people would have given up. You didn't. You came back and within months the whole world knew Liam,” Simon said.

“And you never forgot the fans. I watched you spending so much time with people who had wanted to meet you. You really cared.”

Simon also said Liam visited him last year just to catch up, and he was able to meet the singer's son, Bear.

“And we reminisced about all of 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 met all of those years ago,” he said.

“I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eyes you have. And he will be so proud of everything you achieved. And how you achieved it,” Simon said.

"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,” Simon said, and sent love, thoughts, and prayers to Liam's family.

embed:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Simon Cowell (@simoncowell)

Liam passed away in the afternoon of October 16 after he fell from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires. He was 31 years old.

According to an autopsy report, he suffered 25 injuries, including a major head injury. Police said Liam was alone when the incident happened, and there were signs of substance abuse.

One Direction released a joint statement saying the members are "completely devastated" by Liam's death. Members Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan also released individual tributes.

Messages from fellow artists including Charlie Puth, Zedd, Paris Hilton, Rita Ora and many more were also shared on social media.

One Direction debuted in 2010 and had hits like "What Makes You Beautiful," "Perfect," and "Night Changes." One Direction had a two-night concert in Manila in 2015. They disbanded in 2016.

Liam pursued a solo career after the disbandment. His solo songs include “Strip That Down” featuring Quavo, “For You” featuring Rita Ora, and “Bedroom Floor.” His latest single, “Teardrops,” was released in March.

ONE DIRECTION MEMBERS PAY TRIBUTE TO LIAM PAYNE: