Simon Cowell recently opened up about his last encounter with Liam Payne, the former One Direction singer who tragically fell to his death from a third-story balcony at a hotel in Buenos Aires on October 16, 2024. In a heartfelt discussion on the Rolling Stone Music Now podcast, Cowell reflected on their final meeting and expressed his ongoing struggle with feelings of guilt regarding the trajectory of Payne’s life after achieving fame.
Cowell recalled that their last meeting occurred a year before Payne’s death, when he visited Cowell’s home to discuss his role as a father to his seven-year-old son, Bear, with former partner Cheryl Cole. During their conversation, Cowell advised Payne to prioritize his well-being, suggesting that he should not allow the pressures of the music industry to dictate his happiness. “Music is not everything, by the way,” Cowell told Payne, encouraging him to seek other passions that could lead to fulfillment.
Despite having had positive interactions with Payne, Cowell has been haunted by the question of whether he could have done more to support him through his struggles with fame. He reflected on his role in bringing Payne together with other members of One Direction in 2010 and the impact that fame had on the singer’s life. “Could I have done anything more? What would’ve happened to Liam if he hadn’t been in the band?” Cowell pondered, expressing that he felt a sense of pride when talking to Payne about his achievements.
After the news of Payne’s passing, Cowell shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, expressing his devastation and emptiness. His comments on the podcast also touched on the broader issues surrounding young stardom and the detrimental effects of social media on mental health. Cowell acknowledged that the pressures of fame have only intensified in today’s divisive world, leading him to disconnect from social media eight years ago for his own well-being.
In his remarks, Cowell emphasized the responsibility and concern that come with mentoring young talent. He shared that during their final chat, Payne reached out not in distress, but out of a desire to reconnect. Cowell’s insights reveal the complexities of supporting young artists in an industry fraught with challenges, underscoring the lasting impact of Payne’s legacy on those who knew him.