Cowell formed One Direction on “The X Factor” in 2010 and masterminded the band’s global breakthrough.
Now he mourns one of its members.
Simon Cowellis mourning the loss ofOne Directionmember andX FactorcontestantLiam Payneafterhis untimely death at 31.
Liam Payne and Simon Cowell in 2013.Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Liam, I am truly devastated.
And I feel empty.
And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you.
Simon Cowell with One Direction.Dave M. Benett/Getty Images
Every tear I have shed is a memory of you."
Cowell continued, “This is so difficult to put in words right now.
I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together.
What is Liam like?
And how much you loved music.
And how much love you genuinely had for the fans.”
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
During Payne’s time in Argentina, he hadattended a concertby his former bandmateNiall Horan.
“And we both made a promise that we would meet again.
A lot of people would have given up.
You came back and within months the whole world knew Liam.
And you never forgot the fans.
I watched you spending so much time with people who had wanted to meet you.
You really cared.”
Payne’s One Direction bandmates also releaseda joint statementand individual statements in the wake of his death.
Cowell also wrote, “I have met your son, Bear.
He has your smile and that twinkle in his eyes you have.
And he will be so proud of everything you achieved.
And how you achieved it.”
And reading their messages today I believe you were.
And now Liam, I can see the effect you had on so many people.
Because you left us too soon.
Rest in peace my friend.
And I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family."
