One Direction’s Liam Payne has tragically passed away at the age of 31. He was left behind
Liam Payne The One Direction member has tragically passed away at the age of 31. He left behind his seven-year-old son, Bear, and his friends and family. The X Factor star and singer was spotted attending bandmate and friend Niall Horan’s concert in Argentina last month. As the news continues to emerge, fans are left in shock, wondering exactly what happened to the young star.
Liam Payne’s rise to fame on The X Factor with One Direction
In 2008, Liam did not know that his life would change forever after his X Factor audition. The UK national was just 14 years old when he appeared before judges for the first time. There he met Simon Cowell, Louis Walsh and Cheryl Cole. “A lot of people say I’m a good singer, I have the X factor,” he bravely told the judges. “But I don’t really know what the Unfortunately, the Council of Judges was eliminated and asked to return in two years.
But just like clockwork, Liam returned to the X Factor stage in 2010. Now only 16 years old, the judges felt he was old enough to go further in the competition. Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall and Zayn Malik were all tested, thankfully. However, with this talent, the judges decided to create a boy band, and thus Liam’s life would change forever. One Direction was formed and came in third place during that year’s grand finale. But Simon didn’t waste a moment and signed the band to his label Syco Entertainment.
Liam Payne’s life after The X Factor
In 2011, after The X Factor, One Direction released their debut album, Up All Night. The band’s debut single, “What Makes You Beautiful,” arguably shaped an entire generation. The song reached number one on the UK charts. Sadly, in 2016, One Direction announced a hiatus during the Asian leg of their tour. Then rumors started to spread that some members had a conflict and wanted to try to create a solo career.
One Direction released their fifth and final album, Drag Me Down, with Liam as one of the primary songwriters. He was credited with co-writing more than half of their songs for the albums Midnight Memories, and Four. Liam and his bandmates have created five albums, gone on multiple world tours, and helped fans everywhere realize that they are beautiful.
Liam Payne had a child with Cheryl Cole
The One Direction star and the Girls Aloud singer had a high-profile relationship between 2015 and 2017. The pair first met at Liam’s first audition. But the spark did not ignite until 10 years later. The duo started out as friends, according to the Daily Mail. In a 2020 interview with Esquire, Liam said: “Let’s address the elephant in the room. Obviously my son’s future mother is sitting in this chair. This is now an episode of How I Met Your Mother, so I think that’s enough.”
With a 10-year age gap, the couple made their red carpet debut at the Global Gift Gala in May 2016. In 2017, they confirmed they were expecting their first child, a boy. Liam shared a touching post on social media, writing: “My close friends and family know there are very few times when I’m left speechless… Wow! I’m so happy to welcome our new baby into the world.”
Liam Payne has tragically died at the age of 31 in Argentina
On October 16, news broke that Liam died after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Local police told CNN that Liam’s body was discovered after emergency services responded to a call from staff at a hotel. The emergency call obtained by the outlet was translated. And I heard the manager say, “We have a guest who is high on drugs and alcohol. He’s breaking things. He’s tearing up the whole room.” The hotel manager then told the dispatcher that Liam’s room had a balcony and “we’re a little scared he’s going to do something.”
Tributes have been pouring in for Liam Payne following his death
As news spread of the 31-year-old’s death, condolences began pouring in on Instagram. Harry’s mother, Anne Twist, wrote the song “Just a Boy” along with a heart-shaped picture. Former X Factor host Dermot O’Leary wrote: “Worst news. I remember him as a 14 year old when he went to audition for The X Factor and wowed us with his Sinatra singing. He just loved to sing. “He was always cheerful, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and always humble.” A vigil was held outside the hotel in Buenos Aires as well to honor Liam.
Liam’s family broke their silence earlier today (17 October 2024). “We are absolutely devastated by this news,” they said. “We are supporting each other the best we can as a family and ask for privacy and space at this terrible time.”
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also sent his “sincere condolences” to Liam’s friends and family.
