Showbiz Newswrap
Remembering Liam Payne
Musician Liam Payne, who found fame on ITV search for a singer series The X Factor died while staying at a hotel in Buenos Aires.
The singer, who rose to fame in the pop band One Direction, died on Wednesday at the age of 31 after falling from a third floor balcony at a hotel in Argentina. The press reported that Police and paramedics were called to the complex after reports that a body had been found on a hotel patio on the inside of the building following a disturbance in a room at the site.
Tributes have been paid in the days since the news of Liam’s death broke including from Charlie Puth who shared on Instagram; “He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I can not believe he is gone… I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I cannot believe he’s gone…I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace.”
Paris Hilton shared on X; “So upsetting to hear the news of Liam Payne passing. Sending love and condolences to his family & loved ones.”
His family released a statement on Thursday afternoon which read, ‘We are heartbroken. Liam will forever live in our hearts and we’ll remember him for his kind, funny and brave soul. We are supporting each other the best we can as a family…’
In a joint statement the remaining four who made up One Direction – Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan – said, “We’re completely devastated by the news of Liam’s passing. In time, and when everyone is able to, there will be more to say. But for now, we will take some time to grieve and process the loss of our brother, who we loved dearly. The memories we shared with him will be treasured forever. For now, our thoughts are with his family, his friends, and the fans who loved him alongside us. We will miss him terribly. We love you Liam.”
ITV, which aired the Thames TV/Syco production The X Factor, said in a statement “Liam Payne’s passing is a tragic loss to everyone who knew him personally, and to the global fanbase who took One Direction to their hearts. Having worked closely with Liam on The X Factor and in more recent years on Soccer Aid, everyone at ITV sends their very deepest sympathies to Liam’s family and friends at this immensely sad time.”
Also, music channel MTV posted ‘We’re deeply saddened to learn of Liam Payne’s tragic passing… During this difficult time, our hearts remain with his family, loved ones, and fans.’ while The Brit Awards reflected, ‘We’re incredibly sad to learn of the tragic passing of Liam.’
Live Nation in a statement said, “Liam Payne shared his heart through his music, making an incredible impact on all his fans as a member of One Direction and in his solo career. His talent and spirit will remain forever in our hearts. Rest easy, Liam.”
Mikey Graham of Boyzone said on X: “Rip Liam Payne. Such tragic news. I think it would be a wise move for record companies to have psychologists on their books from now on in his memory as a duty of care for the vulnerability of their young talent. Fame can be very damaging especially in today’s world. Lots of money. Nobody to help…”
Former X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne also shared, “Liam, my heart aches. We all let you down. Where was this industry when you needed them? You were just a kid when you entered one of the toughest industries in the world. Who was in your corner? Rest in peace my friend,” and former X Factor presenter Dermot O’Leary noted, ‘I remember him as a 14 year old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing. He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble…’
Talk TV host Piers Morgan summed up the events of Wednesday in a short sentence, “Good grief… What a shocking tragedy.”
One Direction members have also individually shared with Harry Styles saying, “His greatest joy was making other people happy and it was an honour to be alongside him as he did it, Liam lived wide open, with his heart on his sleeve, he had an energy for life that was infectious.
“He was warm, supportive and incredibly loving. The years we spent together will forever remain among the most cherished years of my life. I will miss him always, my lovely friend. My heart breaks for Karen, Geoff, Nicola and Ruth, his son Bear, and all those around the world who knew him and loved him, as I did.”
Louis Tomlinson posted a long statement to Instagram, “I am beyond devastated to be writing this but yesterday I lost a brother. Liam was somebody I looked up to everyday, such a positive, funny, and kind soul. I first met Liam when he was 16 and I was 18, I was instantly amazed by his voice but more importantly as time went on I got a chance to see the kind brother I’d longed all my life for.
“Liam was an incredible song writer with a great sense of melody, we often spoke of getting back in the studio together to try and recreate the writing chemistry we had built up in the band. And for the record, Liam was in my opinion the most vital part of One Direction. His experience from a young age, his perfect pitch, his stage presence, his gift for writing. The list goes on. Thank you for shaping us Liam.”
Niall Horan paid tribute saying, “I feel so fortunate that I got to see him recently. I sadly didn’t know that after saying goodbye and hugging him that evening, I would be saying goodbye forever. It’s heartbreaking… He was the brightest in every room and always made everyone feel happy and secure… We got to live out our wildest dreams together and I will cherish every moment we had forever. The bond and friendship we had doesn’t happen often in a lifetime.”
Zayn Malik shared, “I lost a brother when you left us and can’t explain to you what I’d give to just give you a hug one last time and say goodbye to you properly and tell you that I loved and respected you dearly… I will cherish all the memories I have with you in my heart forever. There is no words that justify or explain how I feel right now other than beyond devastated.“
