Music mogul Simon Cowell was left utterly devastated upon learning of the tragic passing of Liam Payne at the age of 31. 

According to his close friend Sinitta, Cowell was inconsolable, breaking down in uncontrollable sobs upon receiving the heartbreaking news.

A Heart-Wrenching Loss

Liam Payne, former member of the globally successful band One Direction, tragically passed away in October after falling from the third-floor balcony of his hotel in Buenos Aires. 

His sudden death shocked fans and the music industry alike, leaving those closest to him reeling in grief.

Sinitta, who has been a longtime friend of Cowell, opened up about his emotional response in an interview with The Sun. 

She described how the usually composed and reserved television personality was completely overwhelmed with sorrow.

“He was absolutely devastated. I spoke to Simon, and it was a private conversation, but he usually contains his emotions—he’s quite stoic, isn’t he? But he was absolutely gone. Just holding the phone, he was sobbing,” Sinitta revealed.

Cowell, who played a crucial role in launching Payne’s career through The X Factor, shared a deep bond with the singer. Sinitta likened their relationship to that of a mentor and protégé, adding, “They were like his babies. He went on this journey with them, he was part of it—he was almost the sixth member.”

Simon’s Emotional Tribute to Liam

In the wake of Payne’s passing, Cowell took to social media to share a deeply personal tribute to the singer, expressing the profound impact Liam had on his life.

“You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens,” Cowell wrote. “Liam, I am truly devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you.”

Cowell reminisced about their time together, from Payne’s first audition at just 14 years old to his incredible rise to fame. He recalled having to tell the young hopeful that it wasn’t his time yet, only for Payne to return and later become a global superstar with One Direction.

“You never forgot the fans,” Cowell continued. “I watched you spending so much time with people who wanted to meet you. You really cared. You came to see me last year, not for a meeting—just to sit and talk. And we reminisced about all the fun times we had together.”

The music mogul also expressed admiration for Payne as a father, sharing that he had met his son, Bear. “He has your smile and that twinkle in his eyes that you have. And he will be so proud of everything you achieved.”

Cowell concluded his tribute with a heartfelt farewell: “Rest in peace, my friend. And I am sending my love, thoughts, and prayers to your family.”

Defending Simon Against Criticism

Despite the overwhelming grief surrounding Payne’s passing, some critics have pointed fingers at Cowell, suggesting that he should have done more to support the singer through his struggles. However, Sinitta defended her friend, arguing that such accusations were unfair.

“People have said Simon should have done more, but Liam was a grown man. You can’t bubble wrap everyone,” she asserted.

Cowell’s involvement in One Direction’s formation and rise to fame was significant, but Sinitta emphasized that ultimately, Liam was responsible for his own life choices. She insisted that the music executive deeply cared for the band members and was not to blame for the tragedy.

A Grieving Mentor and Friend

Following Payne’s passing, Cowell made the difficult decision to cancel Britain’s Got Talent auditions in Blackpool as he struggled to process the shocking news. Additionally, he attended the singer’s funeral, where he shared a deeply emotional moment with Liam’s grieving parents, Geoff and Karen.

Outside the church, the heartbroken Cowell embraced the devastated couple, offering his condolences and comfort in their time of loss. His longtime partner, Lauren Silverman, stood nearby, allowing him a private moment with the mourning family.

A floral tribute beside Payne’s coffin spelled out the word “Son,” a touching reminder of the profound love his family had for him.

A Life Gone Too Soon

In the days leading up to his death, Payne had been in Buenos Aires, attending the concert of his former bandmate Niall Horan. A video surfaced online showing the singer enjoying the show with his girlfriend, Kate Cassidy. In what would be one of his final social media posts, Payne shared a picture with Horan on Snapchat, captioning it simply: “Reunited.”

The tragic loss of Liam Payne has left an undeniable void in the music industry, with fans and friends alike mourning the life of a talented and beloved artist. For Simon Cowell, the pain of losing someone he had nurtured and watched grow into a superstar is immeasurable—a grief that will take time to heal.

Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.