The X Factor’s Mary Byrne pays tribute to Liam Payne and reveals the late singer opened up to her about his struggles with fame: ‘He went far too big, far too quick’

The X Factor's Mary Byrne pays tribute to Liam Payne and reveals the late singer opened up to her about his struggles with fame: 'He went far too big, far too quick'

As a former contestant of X Factor myself, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of empathy for Liam Payne and others who have faced similar struggles in the industry. The relentless pressure, the constant scrutiny, and the exploitation of young talent are issues that have been plaguing our industry since the ’70s. It’s heartbreaking to see such talented individuals suffer in silence.


Mary Byrne, who shared the stage with Liam Payne during The X Factor in 2010, expresses difficulty in accepting the sad reality of his passing.

On Wednesday, when he was 31 years old, a member of the band One Direction fell approximately 45 feet from the third level of the Casa Sur Hotel in Buenos Aires, landing in the hotel’s courtyard.

64-year-old Irish vocalist Mary, who advanced to the semifinals of the ITV show while One Direction placed third, disclosed that her latest conversation with Liam occurred in 2018. During this discussion, Liam shared with her some of his personal battles related to dealing with fame.

According to her statement to The Sun, she wouldn’t claim that fame was entirely unsuitable for him, but rather, she believes that they grew too prominent, too rapidly. This sudden surge in popularity led to a sort of burnout, as they only lasted for about five years.

Mary mentioned that Liam was experiencing significant difficulty since he had to stay in hotel rooms while traveling around the globe and couldn’t leave because of large groups of fans.

The X Factor's Mary Byrne pays tribute to Liam Payne and reveals the late singer opened up to her about his struggles with fame: 'He went far too big, far too quick'

The X Factor's Mary Byrne pays tribute to Liam Payne and reveals the late singer opened up to her about his struggles with fame: 'He went far too big, far too quick'
The X Factor's Mary Byrne pays tribute to Liam Payne and reveals the late singer opened up to her about his struggles with fame: 'He went far too big, far too quick'

Initially, he expressed his enthusiasm by saying, “I’m loving it, it’s brilliant,” but later, he shared a different perspective, stating, “It’s quite challenging and not as I had anticipated.

She continued, “I’ve been keeping tabs on his progress, and it’s hard not to feel a sense of pride, as if I were watching over my own sons. In our household, I served as a maternal figure, much like a ‘Mammy.’

Before admitting she cannot even ‘begin to imagine’ what Liam’s mother is feeling in the aftermath of his death. 

Liam openly discussed how the worldwide success of One Direction significantly impacted his life and his struggle with substance abuse, at one point stating: “I’m not sure if I’ve reached my lowest point just yet.

On the Diary of the CEO Podcast with Stephen Bartlett in 2021, Liam confessed his concern about how deep his personal low point might go. He wondered where his rock-bottom was, and it’s important to note that he was skilled at concealing it from others.

I’m not sure if I’ve already reached that point or not. I could decide to accept the present as my absolute lowest point, or I could choose to set a new, lower standard for myself.

He admitted he had suffered for years with ‘social anxiety’ and ‘stress’ from being famous, and discussed the pressure his mental health was under while not having the freedom to go anywhere as a boyband member. 

To me, it seems as if we’re back in the band again. Keeping us safe was achieved by confining us to our individual rooms. And what was in those rooms? Mini-bars.

The X Factor's Mary Byrne pays tribute to Liam Payne and reveals the late singer opened up to her about his struggles with fame: 'He went far too big, far too quick'
The X Factor's Mary Byrne pays tribute to Liam Payne and reveals the late singer opened up to her about his struggles with fame: 'He went far too big, far too quick'
The X Factor's Mary Byrne pays tribute to Liam Payne and reveals the late singer opened up to her about his struggles with fame: 'He went far too big, far too quick'
The X Factor's Mary Byrne pays tribute to Liam Payne and reveals the late singer opened up to her about his struggles with fame: 'He went far too big, far too quick'

As it turns out, what started as a solitary celebration stretched into what felt like a lifetime. And when I pause to consider the span of time I’ve spent imbibing, well… good grief, it’s been quite some duration, even for one as youthful as myself.

In numerous conversations, Liam shared his experience of turning to alcohol as a means to handle both the incredible fame of One Direction and their eventual breakup. He confided to Men’s Health Australia in 2019 that managing such high-profile fame is challenging.

Many individuals dealing with mental health issues are not receiving the necessary assistance, which I believe is an issue we should address within our field.

It’s the same old predicament that many people have faced since the ’70s. You’re familiar with the pitfalls, and if fortune smiles upon you, as it has for me, to escape such a situation and return to a sense of normalcy, then you realize things aren’t quite the same.

Liam likened appearing on stage and being in public to donning a Disney costume, confessing: ‘I spent a considerable amount of time intoxicated since it seemed like the only means to cope with the overwhelming situation.’

It was enjoyable overall, yet there were moments that became quite unpleasant or harmful.

Following Simon Cowell encountering criticism over Liam’s passing, both former contestants Katie Waissel and Rebecca Ferguson have expressed their concerns. Katie Waissel stated openly, “We all are aware of the truth,” while Rebecca Ferguson accused the X Factor boss of taking advantage and profiting off young talents.

The X Factor's Mary Byrne pays tribute to Liam Payne and reveals the late singer opened up to her about his struggles with fame: 'He went far too big, far too quick'
The X Factor's Mary Byrne pays tribute to Liam Payne and reveals the late singer opened up to her about his struggles with fame: 'He went far too big, far too quick'
The X Factor's Mary Byrne pays tribute to Liam Payne and reveals the late singer opened up to her about his struggles with fame: 'He went far too big, far too quick'

In the year 2010, Waissel, a 38-year-old artist known for her songwriting and singing abilities, made mention of Cowell during her audition. She expressed her opinion in two statements, claiming that the music executives prioritized financial gains over individuals, suggesting a focus on profits rather than people.

Cowell, 65, was a judge on X Factor and signed One Direction to his music label, Syco. 

Initially, Waissel turned to X to express her grief over the passing of her friend, penning: “Currently, my heart feels as if it has been ripped apart into pieces; I find myself utterly speechless.

If Simon Cowell were to make any comment about the deeply sorrowful and unfortunate passing of my cherished friend Liam, he would be acting foolishly. The truth is something we all understand, and I assure you that it will eventually become clear.

Rebecca Ferguson, who was on X Factor with Payne and Waissel in 2010, has openly expressed her thoughts about the music industry concealing ‘appalling human rights violations’. She has also asserted that she has faced ‘systematic sexism and harassment’ throughout her professional journey.

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2024-10-20 03:05

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