Simon CowellFaye's Vision/Cover Images
By
Jeff Dodge
Published 30 minutes ago
Jeff Dodge (he/him), a published author and graduate of Western Washington University, has been a TV news editor for many years and has had the chance to interview multiple reality show stars, including Randy Jackson, Nick Cannon, Heidi Klum, Mel B and John Cena. Fun Fact: he’s been to every single Idol Live! Tour.
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The X Factor UK and America's Got Talent judge Simon Cowell opened up about Liam Payne's death and reacted to claims that he's partially responsible for the tragedy. Payne was first introduced to the world via The X Factor in the UK, where Cowell formed the band One Direction, which went on to see massive global success.
While being interviewed for the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast, Cowell revealed that he saw the One Direction member a year before his death at the age of 31 in 2024. Payne visited Cowell at his house, and the two chatted about being parents.
During their conversation, the reality TV judge told Payne not to let music "run your life." Instead, he should find another passion as a way to find joy. Cowell observed that Payne seemed to be in a "really good place."
Cowell also opened up about Payne's tragic passing and questioned if he could "have done anything more" to help the singer. "What would've happened to Liam if he hadn't been in the band?" he wondered.
After speaking to Payne's parents, Cowell felt reassured that the singer was very "proud" of his achievements in the music industry.
I saw him a year before this happened. He came over to my house. We talked about his son and being a dad. I remember saying, 'Music is not everything. Don't let it run your life anymore. Find something else that you are passionate about.'
Cowell continued, You ask yourself that question: 'Could I have done anything more? What would've happened to Liam if he hadn't been in the band?' Having spoken to his mom and dad recently, all they kept telling me was he was so proud of what he had achieved. I wish I could turn back the clock, of course. When I spoke to him that day, I felt really good about him. I thought, 'Wow, you seem in a really good place.'
There have been some accusations thrown around social media that Cowell is partially responsible for Payne's death. However, the sharp-tongued TV personality refuses to buy into that claim. "The idea that you are essentially responsible for somebody's life 10 years after you've signed someone? You can't do that," he exclaimed.
Cowell stays away from rumors and accusations surrounding him and Payne because "you would just torture yourself."
I don't read any of this stuff because if I did, you would just torture yourself. The idea that you are essentially responsible for somebody's life, 10 years after you've signed someone? You can't do that.
Payne's entry into the music industry came under unique circumstances. While there are a lot of singing and talent competition shows around the world, Cowell added a bit of unpredictability to The X Factor when he created bands out of singers who auditioned as solo artists.
That was the case during The X Factor series 7 when one of the greatest boy bands of all time One Direction was formed with Payne, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayne Malik.
They ended the competition in third place, but they had the last laugh after the five members became global superstars when One Direction released hit songs like "What Makes You Beautiful," "Live Like We're Young," "Best Song Ever" and "Story of My Life."
Malik left the group in 2015, and One Direction announced their hiatus the following year.
That's when the individual members of One Direction launched their solo careers, with Styles becoming the most successful among them. Payne released one studio album and two EPs.
In October 2024, while staying at a hotel in Argentina, Payne fell from a balcony and died. Toxicology reports later confirmed there were multiple substances in his system at the time of his death.
It's been just over a year since tragedy struck the One Direction family, and The X Factor judge's reflection suggests that Payne's passing continues to weigh heavily on him, and he believes that any speculation about his part in the tragedy is out of bounds.
The X Factor UK
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The X Factor UK
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