Simon Cowell pays tribute to Liam Payne; Sharon Osbourne blames music industry for failing him

Simon Cowell pays tribute to Liam Payne; Sharon Osbourne blames music industry for failing him

As a woman who has navigated the tumultuous waters of the entertainment industry myself, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of empathy for Cheryl Cole and Sharon Osbourne as they grapple with the tragic loss of Liam Payne. It’s heartbreaking to see them grieve not just for a beloved friend, but also for the man who was once a boy, thrust into the spotlight at an age when most are still figuring out their lives.


Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole, and Sharon Osbourne honored the memory of former One Direction band member Liam Payne, who became famous on the British talent show “The X Factor,” where they all previously judged.

In simpler terms, “Cowell wrote on Instagram on Friday, ‘You can’t fully understand your feelings for someone until an event like this occurs.’ Liam, I am deeply saddened. Heart-stricken. And I feel hollow. I want you to know the depth of my love and admiration for you. Each tear I shed is a keepsake of our relationship.

Previously on American Idol, the judge-turned-music producer shared his struggles in articulating his emotions since the death of his former associate, the 31-year-old Payne, who passed away after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on Wednesday. Argentine authorities confirmed that Payne died due to multiple traumas and bleeding, both internal and external. They also found suspected drugs, alcohol, and narcotics in his room. The sudden demise of the singer left fans worldwide in shock.

In his statement, Cowell shared what he’d typically tell people when they inquired about the singer’s personality.

Simon Cowell shared that he would describe the individual as being kind, humorous, sweet, thoughtful, gifted, modest, and passionate about music, with an immense affection for fans. He also recalled his conversation with a 14-year-old Payne in 2008 when he said it wasn’t the right moment, but they would cross paths again. Cowell praised Payne for persevering, noting that by the end of just a few months, “the entire world came to know Liam.

2010 marked the formation of One Direction when none of the potential band members made it as solo acts on a British talent show created by Cowell. The five future members – Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik – were assembled into a group instead, where the judges believed they would shine. Indeed, they did.

Despite finishing third on “The X Factor” during Season 7, Simon Cowell still signed One Direction to his Syco Entertainment label. Their debut album dropped in 2011, catapulting them into a worldwide sensation often likened to the Beatles. Hits like “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Story of My Life” were among their many chart-toppers. The group released four additional albums and embarked on four headlining tours before disbanding in 2015, primarily due to Zayn Malik’s exit, who cited stress as one of the reasons for his departure. Each member then ventured into solo careers, with varying levels of achievement.

Last year, Payne went to see Cowell for a chat, and Cowell remarked that Payne reminded him of the “gentle, thoughtful boy” he’d known long ago. He observed that Bear, Payne’s son, shares his smile and the spark in his eyes – traits that Payne had: “He would be incredibly proud of all you’ve accomplished and the way you’ve done it.

Regarding One Direction once more, Cowell expressed that he’s always seen Payne, Styles, Horan, Tomlinson, and Malik as siblings, and the tributes they paid to Payne only reinforced this sentiment for him.

Now, I observe how much impact you made on numerous individuals, unfortunately taken from us prematurely. May you find eternal peace, my dear friend,” was his message.

A post shared by Simon Cowell (@simoncowell)

Thursday saw the postponement of auditions for Simon Cowell’s enduring “Britain’s Got Talent” franchise in Blackpool, following the unfortunate death of Payne.

“The X Factor” commemorated Payne Wednesday on its X account.

The show expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate demise of Liam Payne. His immense skill, particularly as a member of One Direction, has left an indelible mark on the music world and touched fans globally. Our sympathies go out to his friends, family, and everyone who cherished him.

Simon Cowell pays tribute to Liam Payne; Sharon Osbourne blames music industry for failing him

Cheryl Cole, formerly of Girls Aloud, was also a judge during One Direction’s season and later started dating Payne. They welcomed their son, Bear, in 2017. On the day following his death, Cole publicly requested understanding and respect amidst the personal grief her family is experiencing.

“As I try to navigate this earth shattering event, and work through my own grief at this indescribably painful time, I’d like to kindly remind everyone that we have lost a human being,” she wrote in a statement on Instagram. “Liam was not only a pop star and celebrity, he was a son, a brother, an uncle, a dear friend and a father to our 7 year old son. A son that now has to face the reality of never seeing his father again.”

Cole posted a monochrome photo of Payne sleeping with baby Bear. He expressed concern about their son potentially encountering distressing accounts and sensationalized media reports about the death of his father in the future. She added that it pains her even more that she won’t be able to shield him from these troubling narratives as he grows up.

She urged, “Ponder over the purpose these reports seem to be serving, other than adding more pain to those left dealing with the aftermath. Before you post comments or create videos, think about whether you’d want your own child or family to read them. I implore you, let Liam have some peace in death by respecting the little dignity he has left.

In a separate statement, Osbourne blamed the music industry for failing Payne.

Liam, I’m deeply saddened. We all failed to support you when it mattered. In an industry known for its toughness, where were the helping hands when you were just a young talent entering this field? It seems no one was there for you. Farewell, my friend.

Osbourne’s statement was championed in her comments section, with followers applauding her honesty.

One user expressed, ‘This seems incredibly truthful.’ It shows great respect. It’s truly unfortunate.” (Alternatively, “One user commented, ‘This appears incredibly sincere.’ Shows a lot of respect. It’s quite sad.”)

Josh Cuthbert, the former soccer player and influencer, expressed his sentiments by saying, “Thank you, Sharon! The music industry often disappoints, with many individuals more focused on earning money rather than the people themselves, especially young and vulnerable ones. I believe it’s high time for a change in this perspective.

Sharon Osbourne, wife of Ozzy Osbourne from Black Sabbath, was a judge on The X Factor from 2004 to 2007, but she wasn’t part of the show when Louis Payne auditioned in 2007 or during his time with One Direction in 2010. She re-joined the series in 2013 and served again from 2016 to 2017.

Other critics took aim at Cowell and the industry for allegedly exploiting young talent.

On Wednesday, Katie Waissel, a friend and fellow contestant on “X Factor” with Payne, criticized Simon Cowell ahead of time, writing on X: “If Simon Cowell were to issue a statement about the heartbreaking, unfortunate death of my dear friend Liam, he would be foolish. We all know the truth… and I’ll make sure it all becomes clear.

In a different remark, she labeled Payne as both her trusted advisor and her pillar of strength. Later, she criticized Cowell for neglecting the emotional and physical well-being of artists, choosing instead to focus on financial gains over the individuals themselves.

Waissel, who initially gained significant attention after her first post amassed over 5 million views and numerous comments, participated in “X Factor” back in 2010, ultimately finishing seventh as the boy band ended up in third place. Subsequently, she pursued a career as a lawyer with intentions to take legal action against Cowell and Syco, alleging that they employed unjust contracts designed to exploit young artists.

Rebecca Ferguson, a former contestant from the 2010 season, and someone who has previously criticized Cowell and “X Factor,” also expressed her thoughts on Payne’s passing. She alleged that the show exploits and profits off young talents, stating that had Payne not auditioned, he might still be alive today.

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2024-10-19 00:32

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