## Simon Cowell Recalls Discovering Liam Payne’s Death Over a year after the One Direction member Liam Payne died at 31 following a fall from a hotel balcony in Argentina, Simon Cowell shared the exact moment he learned the tragic news. Simon, who was a judge on *The X Factor* when One Direction was formed, described the event as "awful" and explained what he did immediately after hearing about it. > "I was utterly shocked and devastated. I couldn’t believe it at first," Simon said, recounting the moment of learning about Liam’s death. ## Simon’s Immediate Reaction Instead of retreating, Simon reached out to Liam's family and close friends to offer his support. He emphasized the importance of coming together in such tragic times, highlighting the sense of community among those connected to the late star. > "You have to hold everyone close and be there for each other when something like this happens," Simon reflected. ## The Legacy of Liam Payne Simon praised Liam’s talent and the impact he had on music and fans worldwide. He stressed how Liam's death left a void in the industry but also how his legacy continues through his music and the lives he touched. *** Simon Cowell’s recount illustrates the deep personal impact of Liam Payne’s loss while highlighting Simon’s compassion and leadership in crisis moments.

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People on MSN — 2025-11-29