Music Industry Mourns Loss Of One Direction’s Liam Payne: ‘Just A Boy’

The music industry is mourning the tragic loss of former One Direction band member Liam Payne, who died after falling from a balcony of a hotel in Buenos Aires on Wednesday. He was 31.

“Words cannot express the emotions we are collectively feeling right now, and it seems like the rest of the world is in the same boat,” the official Backstreet Boys account posted on X. “Our hearts go out to Liam’s family, friends and Directioners around the world.”

“We are heartbroken by the sad passing of Liam Payne. He was immensely talented and, as part of One Direction, Liam will leave a lasting legacy on the music industry and fans around the world,” the account for “The X Factor” posted.

Anne Twist, mom of One Direction bandmate Harry Styles, posted a broken heart photo on Instagram and included the caption, “Just a boy…”

“The worst news. I remember him as a 14-year-old turning up to audition on The X Factor, and blowing us away singing Sinatra. He just loved to sing,” wrote “X Factor” host Dermot O’Leary.

“He was always a joy, had time for everyone, polite, grateful, and was always humble,” he continued. “Sending love and prayers to his family. Dx.”

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“I am in shock right now. Liam was always so kind to me. He was one of the first major artists I got to work with. I cannot believe he’s gone,” singer Charlie Puth wrote on his Instagram story, per Variety. “I am so upset right now, may he rest in peace.”

Simon Cowell, a former judge on “The X Factor” who was responsible for getting One Direction signed, canceled auditions for “Britain’s Got Talent” on Wednesday evening. He has not yet issued a public statement on Payne’s death.

The British celebrity got his break in the music industry after appearing on “The X Factor” in 2008. He returned to the reality competition show two years later along with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik, the singers who would become the popular band One Direction.

The band developed a massive following, releasing popular singles such as “What Makes You Beautiful,” “Night Changes” and “Story of My Life” between the years of 2010 and 2016. In more recent years, the members, including Payne, have worked on solo projects with varying degrees of success. 

The late singer is survived by his 7-year-old son, Bear.