Simon Cowell is mourning the loss of Liam Payne as tributes to the late One Direction singer continue to pour in.
Cowell shared a statement on social media expressing his thoughts about Payne and remembering the singer with touching words.
“You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty,” Cowell shared in a statement posted on Instagram. “And I want you to know how much love and respect I have for you. Every tear I have shed is a memory of you.”
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He continued, “This is so difficult to put into words right now. I went outside today, and I thought about so many times we had together. 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 how much you loved music. And how much love you genuinely had for the fans.”
Cowell mentored One Direction throughout the group’s time on The X-Factor UK and signed them to his music label after the season wrapped.
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“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,” Cowell said. “A lot of people would have given up. You didn’t. You came back and within months the whole world know 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.”
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Cowell recalled that Payne met up with him last year, “Not for a meeting. Just to sit and talk,” adding, “We reminisced about all of the fun times we had together. And how proud you were to be a Dad. After you left, I was reminded that you were still the sweet, kind boy I had met all of those years ago.”
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The producer said he has met Payne’s son Bear noting “he has your smile and that twinkle in his eye that you have. And he will be so proud of everything you achieved. And how you achieved it.”
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“I always thought the 5 of you in the band as brothers. And regarding their messages today I believe you were,” Cowell continued. “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.”
Cowell ended the message by saying, “And I am sending my love, thoughts, and prayers to your family.”
Simon Cowell remembers Liam Payne
Instagram @simoncowell
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