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Simon Cowell 'heartbroken, empty' following Liam Payne's death: 'Every tear I have shed is a memory of you'
Simon Cowell, former “The X Factor” judge who signed One Direction to his company Syco Entertainment, has released a statement following Liam Payne’s death.
“You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens,” Simon began in his Instagram post on Saturday (PH time).
“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 said that writing the statement was difficult, and that he was thinking about their moments together.
He added that if he were ever to describe Liam, “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.”
Simon also looked back on Liam’s audition for “The X Factor” when he was only 14 years old, and he was eliminated at the boot camp and judges’ house stages. Cowell told him to come back in two years.
It was in the seventh season of the reality show when Liam auditioned again, and was later on chosen to be a member of One Direction at 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.”
The judge said that they met up last year just to sit and talk.
“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 added.
The entrepreneur then said he always thought of One Direction as brothers, and seeing their tributes for Liam proved that.
“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.
It was announced on Thursday morning that Liam died 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 serious head injury. Police said he was alone when the incident happened, and there were indications that he experienced an episode due to alleged substance abuse.
One Direction released a joint statement saying they were "completely devastated" by Liam's death. Members Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, and Niall Horan also released individual tributes.
Tributes also poured in from Liam’s fellow artists, like Charlie Puth, Zedd, Paris Hilton, and many more.Liam pursued a solo career when One Direction had an indefinite hiatus in 2016. 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 had a two-night concert in Manila in 2015. Their hit songs include “Night Changes,” “What Makes You Beautiful,” and “Story of My Life.” —Nika Roque/KG, GMA Integrated News
