Nicole Scherzinger Speaks Out About Liam Payne After Details Of Their Last Exchange Emerge

Nicole Scherzinger, a pivotal figure in the formation of One Direction, has paid tribute to Liam Payne following his tragic death at the age of 31.

On Friday, October 25, Scherzinger shared an emotional message on Instagram, remembering Payne, who passed away on Wednesday, October 16, after reportedly falling from a balcony at the CasaSur Palermo Hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

In her post, Nicole Scherzinger expressed her grief and highlighted the close bond she and Liam Payne shared, tracing back to their time on "The X Factor."

Scherzinger and Simon Cowell were instrumental in forming One Direction during the show’s 2010 season, when Payne auditioned as a solo artist before being grouped with the other members, Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik.

“Dear Liam, I will forever cherish and treasure the time we shared together, from fifteen years ago when One Direction was born, right up until just a few weeks ago,” Scherzinger wrote alongside two photos of her, Payne and Kelly Rowland. “It was such a blessing to get to work with you recently. We shared the same love and passion for music and I will forever remember the meaningful and joyful conversations we had.”

“It’s been so hard to process that you’re no longer here, but I am grateful to have known your kind heart, sweet soul and character,” she continued. “You brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the lives of those that truly knew you,” she wrote before concluding with, "I will ‘miss you’ my friend and carry you in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with your family."

Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, currently collaborating with Scherzinger on the Broadway production of Sunset Blvd., spoke about her relationship with the late One Direction singer during an interview with Billboard.

“I suppose something that hasn’t been said, and I suppose I could say, is that of course she mentored Liam, from One Direction,” Webber said. “On the Wednesday when he died, she was still texting him that day.”

The British composer revealed that Scherzinger received the devastating news of Payne’s death just moments before stepping on stage for her performance.

“She’d just heard that he died,” Webber said. “And the fact that she even did the show at all is extraordinary. I mean she is an amazing, amazing woman. She is without any question one of the finest performers I’ve ever worked with.”

Scherzinger also expressed her condolences during an appearance on "Good Morning America" on Friday, October 25.

"Liam and I were quite close…" Scherzinger said. "And so, yeah, I'm heartbroken."

"I'm heartbroken for Liam. I'm heartbroken for his family and his loved ones and his fans," she continued. "Liam always led with his heart and with kindness, and I really hope that's how he'll always be remembered."

Payne passed away on October 16 at the age of 31 after falling from the third-floor balcony of his hotel room in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Simon Cowell, who was instrumental in forming One Direction, penned a heartfelt tribute to Payne.

"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. This is so difficult to put into words right now," he said in an Instagram post.

"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," he continued. "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."

Reflecting on their recent reunion in 2023, Cowell added:

"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 met all those years ago. I have met your son, Bear. He has your smile and that twinkle in his eyes you have. And he will be so proud of everything you achieved. And how you achieved it."

Cowell concluded his message by extending his "love, thoughts, and prayers" to Liam's family.