Simon Cowell sobbed uncontrollably over news of Liam | UK News

Britain’s Got Talent decide Simon Cowell was left “absolutely devastated” upon studying of Liam Payne’s tragic death, in keeping with close pal Sinitta.

The former One Direction star, aged 31, died in October 2024 after falling from a third-floor balcony at a Buenos Aires resort. Sinitta, 61, revealed Cowell’s profound grief during an emotional interview on Nicky Byrne’s HQ podcast.

She advised listeners: “I spoke to Simon, obviously it was a private conversation, but he usually contains his emotions, he’s quite stoic isn’t he, but he was absolutely gone.

“Just holding the telephone, he was simply sobbing. It’s the primary time in my life I assumed ‘properly we usually come to you once we do not know what to do,’ however he was completely devastated.”

The What Makes You Beautiful hitmaker’s untimely passing not only shocked fans worldwide but also led to criticism directed at Cowell, with some blaming him for the singer’s struggles. 

Sinitta addressed these accusations, saying: “I believe it was a bit unfair as a result of some people have been blaming him, saying he ought to have carried out one thing. 

“But even though he was very young, he was still a grown man and in charge of his own life.” She added: “You can’t bubble wrap everyone.”

Cowell, 65, performed a pivotal function in Payne’s profession, first assembly the aspiring singer when he auditioned for The X Factor at 14. Although Payne was suggested to return in two years as a result of his age, his subsequent audition led to the formation of One Direction, alongside bandmembers Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and Zayn Malik.

Sinitta mirrored on this journey, including: “They were like his babies. He went on this journey with them, he was part of it – he was almost the sixth member.”

In the wake of Payne’s death, Cowell joined mourners, together with Payne’s former companion Cheryl and their seven-year-old son Bear, at a personal funeral service held in November at St Mary’s Church in Amersham, Buckinghamshire. Witnesses described Cowell as visibly upset during interactions with Payne’s household.

Sinitta addressed these accusations, saying: “I think it was a bit unfair because some people were blaming him, saying he should have done something. 

She also shared her personal memories of Payne, recalling his determination and passion for music from a young age. The star went on: “He knew he needed to be a pop star – it was in his bones.”

Discussing the moment she learned of his passing, she recalled: “The evening that it occurred, I’d gone to mattress early however hadn’t turned my telephone off correctly.

“My phone kept buzzing but I was too sleepy, then it dawned on me – I’m being frantically called, something has happened – it gave me a feeling of dread.”

The singer’s death has sparked discussions in regards to the pressures of fame and its affect on mental health. “People blame a lot of it on his success, you know, ‘if he hadn’t been a big pop star…’, but if you rewind and try and erase that part, you’re erasing everything else as well.

“You’re erasing Bear, you’ll be able to’t try this.” She added: “But of course you’ll commerce it, simply to have him at home taking part in soccer within the garden – no fame, no money.”