Simon Cowell Shares Last Conversation with Liam Payne

Simon Cowell recently reflected on his relationship with the late Liam Payne during a podcast interview. Cowell discussed his last interaction with Payne, revealing that they met a year before Payne’s tragic death.

Simon Cowell’s Last Conversation with Liam Payne

On November 24, Cowell spoke with Brian Hiatt on the “Rolling Stone Music Now” podcast. He recounted their final meeting, which took place at Cowell’s home. According to Cowell, Payne appeared to be in good spirits, and they discussed topics such as fatherhood.

Liam Payne’s Untimely Death

Liam Payne, a former member of the band One Direction, died at the age of 31 on October 16, 2024. He fell from the third-floor balcony of the Casa Sur hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Authorities later confirmed that he had a blood alcohol level of 0.27% at the time of his death.

Reflections on Their Friendship

During the podcast, Cowell expressed his sorrow over not noticing potential warning signs during their last conversation. He mentioned feeling optimistic about Payne’s wellbeing and noted their lengthy discussion, which lasted several hours.

Addressing Blame and Speculation

Following Payne’s death, some online discussions pointed fingers at Cowell and the music industry for not doing enough to help him. Cowell stated he has chosen to ignore such comments to avoid unnecessary distress.

• Cowell emphasized the difficulty of taking responsibility for someone else’s life after signing them as an artist.
• He mentioned Payne’s message wasn’t a plea for help, but rather a friendly visit.

Career Highlights and Legacy

Cowell first encountered Payne during the UK reality show “The X Factor.” After multiple auditions, Payne was finally grouped with other contestants, forming the iconic boy band One Direction in 2010.

Under Cowell’s guidance, One Direction achieved immense success, selling over 70 million records before their hiatus in 2016. Cowell fondly remembered telling Payne he would reunite with him after his initial setbacks in the competition.

Continuing the Conversation

Even after the tragic loss, Cowell expressed a desire to support and remember Payne’s legacy positively. He reflected on their shared journey, emphasizing the pride Payne’s family felt about his career achievements.