Nicole Scherzinger, the former X Factor judge who played a pivotal role in the formation of One Direction, has shared an emotional tribute to Liam Payne following his tragic passing. Payne died on October 16, 2024, after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the age of 31. Scherzinger, who was instrumental in shaping the boy band’s early years, took to social media to honor Payne’s legacy and express her sorrow over his untimely death.
“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 in a heartfelt post on Instagram. Accompanying the tribute were photos of Scherzinger with Payne and Kelly Rowland, showcasing their shared moments on and off the stage. Scherzinger’s emotional words revealed the deep connection she had with the singer, one that extended beyond their professional relationship.
In her tribute, Scherzinger reflected on the special bond she had with Payne. “It was such a blessing to get to work with you recently,” she said, referencing their more recent collaborations. “We shared the same love and passion for music and I will forever remember the meaningful and joyful conversations we had.” Despite the devastating news, Scherzinger expressed gratitude for having known Payne’s “kind heart, sweet soul, and character,” and praised his ability to bring light and joy to everyone around him.
The former Pussycat Dolls singer also shared her disbelief over Payne’s sudden passing. “It’s been so hard to process that you’re no longer here,” she admitted, revealing the impact his loss had on her. “You brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the lives of those that truly knew you. I will ‘miss you’ my friend and carry you in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.”
While Scherzinger had worked alongside Simon Cowell, the creator of The X Factor, in helping shape One Direction’s career, it was her influence and foresight that led to the boy band’s formation. Although Simon Cowell often receives credit for putting the five-piece together in 2010, it was Scherzinger who played a key role in bringing Liam Payne, Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, and Louis Tomlinson together as a group.
In a February 2024 interview on the How to Fail with Elizabeth Day podcast, Scherzinger recalled the moment she first proposed the idea of forming the group. “I just came from The Pussycat Dolls,” she explained, reflecting on her experience with the girl group. “We have too many boys in this category that are too good. They’re going to be stronger as a group.” She continued, noting that at the time, there were few young male bands like Take That and Backstreet Boys, making the idea of a boy band even more exciting.
Scherzinger’s decision to unite the five boys was not only a professional triumph but also a personal one, as she expressed immense pride in One Direction’s achievements. “I’m so proud of everybody,” she said, praising the success of the boys. “So happy for everyone. All the boys from One Direction are having wild success. So, I’m grateful that I could be a part of that in some small way.”
The creation of One Direction remains one of the most iconic moments in X Factor history, and Scherzinger’s role in shaping the band is a testament to her insight and vision. Fans continue to remember the band’s rise to fame, and Scherzinger’s tribute serves as a reminder of the lasting impact Liam Payne had on the world.