X-Factor tycoon Simon Cowell told Liam not to let music “ruin” his life and wishes he could “turn back the clock” but said he does not hold himself responsible for the singer’s death
Simon Cowell has shared his feelings about the tragic death of Liam Payne, revealing the profound impact it had on him. The music tycoon played a pivotal role in launching Liam’s career, forming One Direction on the X Factor in 2010.
Liam tragically passed away in October 2024 after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina. The vocalist was adored globally as a member of boy band One Direction, which also comprised Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan and Zayn Malik.
One Direction were put together by Simon following each boy’s solo audition on X Factor back in 2010. The band remained together for five years before parting ways in 2015. During this period, they skyrocketed to global fame, with their popularity reaching such heights that comparisons were drawn to The Beatles.
A year on from Liam’s untimely passing, Simon, who signed the group to his label and was instrumental in propelling their careers, has spoken out about the loss. In a conversation with Rolling Stone, he expressed his wish to “could turn back the clock”, reports the Mirror.
He pondered: “You ask yourself that question: ‘Could I have done anything more? What would’ve happened to Liam if he hadn’t been in the band?’,” Simon revealed. “Having spoken to his mum and dad recently, all they kept telling me was he was so proud of what he had achieved. I wish I could turn back the clock, of course.”
He revealed that he had seen Liam a year before his untimely passing. During a visit to his home, they discussed Liam’s son, Bear.
Simon recalled advising Liam not to let music “ruin” his life and felt their conversation left him with the impression that Liam was in a “really good place”.
In another part of the interview, Simon addressed blame some attributed to him following Liam’s death. Some suggested that if Simon hadn’t formed the band or if there had been better support systems in place, Liam might have been in a better place.
The late star’s toxicology report disclosed the presence of alcohol, cocaine, and antidepressants in his system at the time of his death.
Simon said that he did not hold himself responsible for Liam’s death, adding: “The idea that you are essentially responsible for somebody’s life, 10 years after you’ve signed someone? You can’t do that.”
He said he deliberately avoiding reading comments about him and Liam, as it would be “torture” to read any blame directed towards him.
Liam’s death remains shrouded in mystery, with ongoing investigations in Argentina. Ezequiel Pereyra and Braian Paiz have been charged with supplying the singer with drugs. The pair deny the charges and a trial date has not yet been set.
A final inquest is yet to be conducted, as the coroner awaits a comprehensive report on the investigations carried out in Argentina. Senior Coroner Crispin Butler stated: “We will continue to liaise with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to seek to procure full reports, eyewitness statements and other relevant evidence to assess in due course to address the statutory questions at a final inquest… namely who the deceased was, a final medical cause of death, when, where and how he came by his death.”
As the anniversary of Liam’s death approaches, bandmate Louis Tomlinson has shared his feelings about the loss. Louis confessed that he would “never really accept” Liam’s passing.
Speaking to The Independent, he admitted that despite having experienced grief before – losing both his mother and sister – it didn’t make coping with Liam’s death any easier.
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