Simon Cowell has mentioned he’s “truly devastated” and “heartbroken” over the dying of former One Course star Liam Payne.
The X Issue decide – who mentored the band on the present and later signed them to his label – posted a tribute on Instagram to the 31-year-old singer.
Payne died on Wednesday after falling from a lodge balcony in Argentina.
“You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens,” Cowell wrote.
“Liam, I’m really devastated. Heartbroken. And I really feel empty. And I would like you to know the way a lot love and respect I’ve for you. Each tear I’ve shed is a reminiscence of you.
“This is so difficult to put into words right now. I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together.”
Cowell continued: “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 the way a lot you really liked music. And the way a lot love you genuinely had for the followers.”
Cowell additionally referenced the time he initially rejected Payne when he first appeared on the X Think about 2008.
“I had to tell you when you were 14 that this wasn’t your time. And we both made a promise that we would meet again,” he wrote.
Picture:
Liam Payne and Simon Cowell on the Brit Awards in 2017. Pic: Rex/Shutterstock
Remembering when Payne returned to the expertise present’s audition course of two years later, Cowell added: “A lot of people would have given up. You didn’t. You came back and within months the whole world knew Liam.
“And also you by no means forgot the followers. I watched you spending a lot time with individuals who had wished to fulfill you. You actually cared.”
He also revealed that the pair had met last year “simply to take a seat and speak”.
“We reminisced about all of the enjoyable occasions we had collectively. And the way proud you have been to be a dad. After you left, I used to be reminded that you simply have been nonetheless the candy, type boy I met all these years in the past,” he wrote.
Cowell also said he had met Payne’s son Bear, adding that the boy had the singer’s “smile and that twinkle in his eye that you’ve got”.
“He can be so happy with all the things you achieved. And the way you achieved it,” Cowell added.
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The music mogul completed his tribute with the phrases: “I always thought the 5 of you in the band as brothers. And regarding their messages today I believe you were.
“And now Liam, I can see the impact you had on so many individuals. Since you left us too quickly.
“Rest in peace my friend.”
He added: “I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family. Simon X”.
It comes after Payne’s One Course bandmates, together with Niall Horan and Harry Types, issued their very own tributes to the singer.
Cowell will reportedly miss filming for the ITV present Britain’s Acquired Expertise when manufacturing resumes on Saturday.
Filming for the programme was halted earlier this week within the wake of Payne’s dying.
Strictly Come Dancing decide Bruno Tonioli is seemingly set to step in to exchange Cowell for an unspecified period of time.
“He didn’t feel it was right to continue with filming BGT, and when it resumes on Saturday, does not feel he’ll be in the right headspace to continue.”