Simon Cowell was seen for the first time since Liam Payne’s tragic death at the Pride of Britain Awards (Image: Rowan Griffiths/Daily Mirror)Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxMore Newsletters SubscribePlease enter a valid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.More NewslettersWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More infoThank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow me See OurPrivacy Notice See OurPrivacy Notice×Group 28 Get daily celeb exclusives and behind the scenes house tours direct to your inboxInvalid emailSomething went wrong, please try again later.Sign UpNo thanks, closeWe use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info×Group 28Thank you for subscribing!We have more newslettersShow MeNo thanks, closeSee our
Privacy NoticeSimon Cowell has been seen for the first time since Liam Payne tragically passed away at the age of 31. The music mogul, 65, attended the cherished Pride of Britain Awards on Monday, 21 October, where he honoured his late pal and former Mirror Editor Peter Willis with a heart-rending tribute on stage. His attendance at the event marked a poignant return to the public eye following the loss of X Factor and One Direction sensation Liam Payne. Simon appeared to put on a brave face as he paid tribute to his former friend Peter on stage, which comes less than a week after he shared an emotional tribute to Liam, who he had known since the singer was 14 years old.
Simon paid tribute to former Mirror Editor Peter Willis, less than a week after sharing an emotional tribute to Liam Payne
(Image: Adam Gerrard/Daily Mirror)
Liam, the beloved father-of-one, tragically passed away last week while vacationing in Buenos Aires after a fall from the third floor of a hotel. Devastation unfolded as Liam tumbled from the building in the heart of the Argentinian capital, with emergency services including police, fire crews, and ambulances quickly swarming the scene. Reports suggest that prior to the incident, authorities were called about an individual displaying aggressive behaviour at the hotel, potentially under the influence of substances, reports the Mirror. Liam first shot to stardom in 2011 following his journey on The X Factor, where he was famously grouped by judge Simon Cowell with fellow singers Louis Tomlinson, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, and Niall Horan to form the global sensation known as One Direction. Struck by the heart-breaking loss, Simon has reportedly stepped back from his role on Britain’s Got Talent amid auditions as he mourns the loss of Liam, whose talent he once nurtured on the path to worldwide fame. Simon paid a moving tribute to Liam, who he first met on the X Factor when he was just 14. Reflecting on their journey together, Simon said: “You never really know how you feel about someone until a moment like this happens. Liam, I am devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty. 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.
Liam Payne tragically tied at the age of 31
(Image: Getty Images)
Simon Cowell with One Direction in 2015
(Image: PA)
Sign up to OK!’s daily newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox for free He added: “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.” Simon also reminisced about their first meeting and said: “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. A lot of people would have given up. You didn’t. You came back and within months the whole world knew 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. You came to see me last year. Not for a meeting. Just to sit and talk. And 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. “I have met your son, Bear. 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. I always thought of the 5 of you in the band as brothers. And regarding their messages today I believe you were. 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. And I am sending my love, thoughts and prayers to your family. Simon.”Story SavedYou can find this story in  My Bookmarks.Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right.Follow OK! MagazineFacebookTwitterCommentMore OnLiam PayneSimon Cowell
