Simon Cowell recalls the ‘awful’ moment he was told Liam Payne had died and admits he desperately tried to contact the singer’s parents

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Simon Cowell has described the terrifying experience of believing Liam Payne had passed away, revealing he frantically attempted to reach Payne’s parents for confirmation.

The 66-year-old X Factor boss was deeply shocked and, still upset, simply wanted to call his parents, like a parent would.

Liam tragically died on October 16, 2024, after a fall from a balcony on the third floor of the Casa Sur Palmero Hotel in Buenos Aires.

Speaking on The Interview podcast from The New York Times, Simon recalled hearing about his death. 

I remember a colleague of mine, someone I worked with really closely, came to see me. I could immediately tell by her expression that something was wrong, and then she shared what was bothering her.

Hearing the news felt similar to when I learned my dad had died. It’s hard to describe the feeling, really – just complete shock.

Simon continued, explaining he hadn’t been thinking straight and all he remembered saying was, “I really need to talk to his parents. Could you please get them on the phone?”

As a parent myself, I could only imagine how difficult that must have been. I knew his parents, and I simply wanted to offer support. It was a truly terrible situation.

Simon remembered seeing Liam in that room a year ago and thought he seemed happy and well at the time. However, he still wonders if he could have done more to support him.

He was looking really good, clearly he’d been working out. We chatted about his son, and he shared that there’s more to life than just focusing on music. We simply enjoyed spending time together as friends, he said.

There were personal things I wouldn’t have discussed at the time, and I tried to warn him about the challenges of becoming famous.

As someone who really believes in the artists I work with, my biggest job is connecting them with the best producers and managers – the people who will help them truly shine and achieve their goals. It’s all about setting them up for success!

I was working with around 20 artists back then. It’s similar to watching young birds leave the nest – you tell them you’re there to help whenever they need it, but you can’t possibly keep up with all of their projects and travels.

Oh man, if I could just relive that day he was here… it’s all I ever think about! I replay it in my head constantly, wondering what I should have said, what little thing could have made it even better. But you can’t change the past, can you? All I want is for him to be happy and achieve everything he deserves. Seriously, that’s all that matters.

Simon explained that they created these programs because he believed there’s always an audience eager to find something new.

It’s tough to say whether achieving fame or dealing with its consequences is more challenging. I definitely made my own decisions along the way, and I knew there would be pressure and stress involved – that’s just part of choosing this life. Despite everything, I wouldn’t change a thing.

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 someone who was kind, funny, and incredibly talented, and who always appreciated his fans.

He told Liam he was completely heartbroken and felt lost without him. He wanted Liam to know how deeply he loved and respected him, saying every tear he’d cried reminded him of their time together.

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, but remained humble and focused. Plus, he truly loved music and really cared about his fans.

I had to explain to you, when you were fourteen, that the moment wasn’t right. We both promised each other we’d reconnect in the future.

Honestly, so many others would have just quit. But you didn’t. You persevered, and it wasn’t long before everyone, everywhere, was talking about Liam. It was incredible to witness!

What always struck me about him was how much he genuinely cared for his fans. I saw him time and time again taking the time to connect with people who’d come to meet him, and it was clear it wasn’t just for show – he truly valued them. It’s something I’ll always admire.

You visited me last year, not for any specific reason, just to chat. We spent the time remembering all the good times we 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.

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

After the funeral, Simon embraced Liam’s parents, Geoff and Karen, offering them comfort during their grief.

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2025-11-29 18:19