Simon Cowell admits Liam Payne’s death ‘really hit me’ but music mogul denies he is responsible for ‘somebody’s life’ 10 years after signing One Direction

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Simon Cowell has spoken out on Liam Payne’s death, revealing their final conversation.

The creator of The X Factor revealed that the One Direction singer visited his house a year before his death. The singer died in Buenos Aires on October 16, 2024, after falling from a balcony on the third floor of the Casa Sur Palmero Hotel.

Simon, who launched Liam’s career at age 14 on the 2010 season of X Factor by putting him in One Direction, says Liam seems happy now. However, he wonders if he could have done more to support him.

Hearing the news was a shock, Simon told Rolling Stone. He remembered seeing the man about a year earlier, when he’d come over to his house. They had chatted about his son and the joys of fatherhood.

I recall telling someone, “Music is important, but it shouldn’t control your life. Explore other interests and find something else you truly love.”

While promoting his new Netflix show, Simon Cowell: The Next Act, Simon Cowell revealed he often wonders if he could have done more to help Liam Payne, and what might have happened to him if he hadn’t joined One Direction.

But he insisted he doesn’t feel responsible for how Liam’s life played out.

Simon shared that after speaking with his parents, they repeatedly told him how proud their son was of his accomplishments. “I wish I could go back,” he added. “When we last spoke, I was really impressed with how well he was doing. He seemed genuinely happy and at peace.”

When asked by the magazine if comments suggesting he might be responsible for Liam’s death were upsetting, Simon responded plainly that he avoids reading such things. He explained that dwelling on them would only cause him pain.

It doesn’t make sense to hold someone accountable for another person’s life choices ten years after initially agreeing to work with them. You simply can’t be responsible for that long.

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

When Simon heard about the pop star’s passing, he shared a heartfelt message remembering him as a kind, funny, and gifted performer who always appreciated his fans.

Okay, let’s talk about navigating intense heartbreak. I’ve seen this pattern so many times, and it’s so common to feel completely shattered after a loss. When someone says things like ‘I’m devastated,’ ‘heartbroken,’ and ’empty,’ it’s a sign that the connection was incredibly deep. It’s natural to feel a huge void. What’s important to remember is that those tears? They aren’t just sadness; they’re actually a release, and each one holds a precious memory of the person you loved. It’s okay to grieve, to feel everything, and to allow those memories to surface. It’s a painful process, absolutely, but it’s a testament to the beautiful connection you shared.

It’s hard to explain what I’m feeling. Being outside today brought back a lot of memories of times we shared.

I’d like to share the answer I consistently gave to the many people who asked me this question.

If someone asked me what Liam was like, I’d say he was kind, funny, sweet, and thoughtful. He was also incredibly talented, yet humble and focused. Plus, he truly loved music and cared deeply for his fans.

I remember having to explain to you at fourteen that the moment wasn’t right. We promised each other we’d reconnect someday.

Many would have quit, but you persevered. You bounced back, and soon everyone knew the name Liam.

You always remembered your fans, and I noticed how much time you took to connect with people who admired you. It was clear you genuinely cared about them.

You visited me last year, not for any particular reason, but just to chat. We spent the time remembering all the good times we’d shared.

I always admired how much you loved being a father. Even after you were gone, I remembered the gentle, kind person I first met so long ago.

He continued: ‘I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eyes you have.

After Liam’s funeral, Simon was seen embracing his parents, Geoff and Karen, offering them comfort.

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2025-11-25 16:49