Simon Cowell makes his first public appearance since One Direction star Liam Payne’s death – days after he shared his devastation over the loss and cancelled BGT auditions

Simon Cowell makes his first public appearance since One Direction star Liam Payne's death - days after he shared his devastation over the loss and cancelled BGT auditions

As I read through these heart-wrenching words and images, it’s hard not to feel a profound sense of loss for this extraordinary individual who touched so many lives. Liam was more than just a pop star; he was a friend, a brother, and a father who left us too soon.


Simon Cowell has made his first public appearance since the death of Liam Payne.

On Monday evening at London’s The Grosvenor House Hotel, the influential figure in the music industry, aged 65, made an appearance at the Pride of Britain Awards.

However, unlike numerous stars who shone brightly for photographers on the red carpet, Simon chose to forego this spectacle and instead made a beeline directly towards the ceremony, according to The Sun’s report.

Previously, Simon had been a frequent attendee at The Pride of Britain gatherings. Later on, he stepped onto the stage to honor his late friend and esteemed journalist, Peter Willis, who tragically passed away at 54 years old. It was Peter’s brilliant mind that conceived these beloved awards.

His presence followed shortly after he publicly expressed his sorrow over Liam’s passing, which led to the cancellation of a day’s worth of auditions for Britain’s Got Talent, as a result of the unfortunate event.

Simon Cowell makes his first public appearance since One Direction star Liam Payne's death - days after he shared his devastation over the loss and cancelled BGT auditions

Simon Cowell makes his first public appearance since One Direction star Liam Payne's death - days after he shared his devastation over the loss and cancelled BGT auditions

A representative for Britain’s Got Talent’s production company, Freemantle UK, announced that they will delay the auditions because of the sad death of Liam Payne. They express their condolences to his friends, family, and those who admired him.

I, with utmost respect and admiration, honor the memory of the departed One Direction member who tragically lost his life at age 31. His untimely demise occurred when he fell approximately 45 feet from a third-floor balcony at the CasaSur Palmero Hotel in Argentina.

Simon first met Liam when he auditioned for X Factor for the very first time at the age of 14.  

The mourning music mogul released a touching tribute to the ‘kind, funny and talented’, pop star, who ‘never forgot the fans’. 

He wrote: ‘You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens.

‘Liam, I am truly devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty.

Additionally, I’d like you to understand the depth of my affection and admiration towards you. Each tear that has fallen is a keepsake of our bond.

At the moment, it’s quite challenging to express myself accurately. Today, I ventured outdoors, and my thoughts were filled with numerous memories we shared together.

Simon Cowell makes his first public appearance since One Direction star Liam Payne's death - days after he shared his devastation over the loss and cancelled BGT auditions
Simon Cowell makes his first public appearance since One Direction star Liam Payne's death - days after he shared his devastation over the loss and cancelled BGT auditions

‘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.

Back when you were fourteen, I shared with you that it wasn’t our moment then. We mutually agreed to keep in touch and reconnect at some point in the future.

Many individuals might have chosen to quit, but you persevered. Instead of fading away, you returned, and within a few months, the entire globe became familiar with Liam.

Simon Cowell makes his first public appearance since One Direction star Liam Payne's death - days after he shared his devastation over the loss and cancelled BGT auditions
Simon Cowell makes his first public appearance since One Direction star Liam Payne's death - days after he shared his devastation over the loss and cancelled BGT auditions
Simon Cowell makes his first public appearance since One Direction star Liam Payne's death - days after he shared his devastation over the loss and cancelled BGT auditions
Simon Cowell makes his first public appearance since One Direction star Liam Payne's death - days after he shared his devastation over the loss and cancelled BGT auditions

Additionally, it’s worth noting that you always remembered your fans. It was evident as you spent a considerable amount of time interacting with those who wished to meet you. Your kindness and care were palpable.

Last year, you dropped by without an appointment, instead choosing to spend time chatting with me. We looked back on the good old days and shared memories of our enjoyable moments together.

Reflecting on it now, I’m struck by how much pride you held in being a father. Leaving only served to remind me that beneath it all, you remained the gentle and considerate young man I first encountered long ago.

He continued: ‘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.

I’ve often considered the five of you in the band as more like brothers, and reading your messages today only strengthens that feeling. It seems we truly shared a bond beyond just being bandmates.

‘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. And I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family.

‘Simon X’

Just before 5 pm, the popular musician was found attending Niall Horan’s concert tour in a Latin American nation, where tragically, he later passed away.

A poignant video captures Liam Payne performing and dancing alongside his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy, at a live event.

Simon Cowell makes his first public appearance since One Direction star Liam Payne's death - days after he shared his devastation over the loss and cancelled BGT auditions
Simon Cowell makes his first public appearance since One Direction star Liam Payne's death - days after he shared his devastation over the loss and cancelled BGT auditions
Simon Cowell makes his first public appearance since One Direction star Liam Payne's death - days after he shared his devastation over the loss and cancelled BGT auditions

Following the gig, he posted a tragic picture with Niall to Snapchat captioned: ‘Reunited.’ 

Separate posts  from the final moments of the star’s life showed him enjoying lunch in his hotel room, where he revealed the pair had been ‘waking up at 1pm every day’ and deciding on Forest Gump as a Halloween costume.

Subsequently, another sad selfie was labeled: “Beautiful day in Argentina,” as the celebrity published a picture of their hotel room, stating: “Glad for the break I had” accompanied by a heart symbol.

He shared a further photo with Kate captioned: ‘Quality time.’

Liam began his pursuit to stardom when he initially auditioned for X Factor in 2008.

At just 14 years old, Liam left the judges amazed with his rendition of “Fly Me to the Moon,” originally sung by Frank Sinatra. However, he ultimately didn’t make it past the competition.

In 2010, Payne decided to revive his singing career by auditioning for the contest once more, and it wasn’t long before he gained popularity as a member of One Direction.

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2024-10-22 00:34

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