The X Factor
The Associated Press reported that Payne “had jumped from the balcony of his room,” according to Pablo Policicchio, the communications director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry.
Jumped Illustration
Born in Wolverhampton, England, Payne got his start in the music industry as a competitor on “The X Factor” in 2008 at 14 years old. He was cut from the show but returned in 2010, earning four greenlights and a standing ovation from Simon Cowell.
Simon Cowell
Judge Nicole Scherzinger then famously placed him in a group with Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik, forming One Direction. They finished third on the show and were signed to Cowell’s Syco Entertainment.
Payne was best known in One Direction for his recognizable falsettos that became an integral part of the band’s chart-topping hits like “What Makes You Beautiful,” “Best Song Ever,” and “Story of My Life.” As one of the highest-selling boy bands, One Direction sold over 70 million records worldwide from 2010 to 2016. The band’s popularity soared through video diaries produced by “The X Factor,” with Payne being seen as the most responsible or “brotherly” member.
One Direction announced an indefinite hiatus in 2016, and Payne pursued a solo career, signing with Capitol Records UK. His debut single, “Strip That Down” featuring Quavo, co-written by Ed Sheeran, was released in 2017 and reached the top 10 in the US and UK. His debut album “LP1” came out in December 2019. Earlier this year, he released “Teardrops” along with an acoustic version.
Liam payne and Niall Horan in Argentina
Payne was recently seen at Horan’s concert in Argentina on Oct. 2, sharing a selfie with Horan backstage. He had mentioned they needed to “talk” after not speaking for a while, indicating no bad vibes, just a need to catch up. Payne was open about his struggles with drinking and suicidal thoughts, revealing last year that he had completed more than three months of sobriety. “I’m sober now, over 100 days,” he told IFL TV.
On Wednesday, Payne died after falling from a third-floor hotel room in Buenos Aires, confirmed by police. Alberto Crescenti, head of the state emergency medical system, said Payne had fallen into an internal courtyard, and there was no way to save him. An autopsy was being conducted as authorities investigated the circumstances of his death. Payne’s family expressed their heartbreak, remembering him for his kind, funny, and brave soul.
Fans gathered outside the hotel in disbelief, consoling one another. Musician Liam Gallagher and former “X Factor” contestant Rebecca Ferguson paid tribute, with Ferguson reflecting on the exploitation of young stars in the music industry. Payne became a father in 2017 to Bear Grey Payne with then-partner Cheryl Cole, whom he dated starting in 2016 and split with in 2018.
Payne’s tragic death has left fans and the music world in mourning, his impact on One Direction and his solo career remembered fondly. In addition to his music career, Payne was actively involved in various charities and humanitarian efforts, showcasing his commitment to making a positive impact beyond the entertainment industry. His legacy continues to inspire and influence many in the music world and beyond.
CONSPIRACY THEORIES
After the tragic death of Liam Payne, various conspiracy theories and misinformation began surfacing on the internet. Some theories link his death to the arrest of P Diddy, recalling an old interview where Payne mentioned an uncomfortable experience with the rapper.
P Diddy
Additionally, there is speculation that Payne might have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the incident, based on reports from local authorities mentioning aggressive behavior before the fall. However, these theories remain unproven and are widely regarded as mere speculation.
Radio host Jackie 'O' Henderson suggested that if Payne fell, it was most likely an accident, considering many people survive falls from the third floor.
Despite the circulating theories, the official investigation is still ongoing to determine the exact cause of Payne's death. As of now, there is no evidence supporting the conspiracy theories.
We sourced this article from billboard, theguardian, and variety news platforms, with some media gathered from Google Photos.