Music mogul Simon Cowell has spoken publicly for the first time about the death of former One Direction star Liam Payne, a year after his tragic passing in October 2024.
The Tragic Incident and Last Conversation
Liam Payne died in October 2024 after falling from the balcony of a hotel in Argentina, leaving his family, friends, and fans across the globe devastated. The 66-year-old X Factor judge, who first met Payne when he was just 14 years old at a 2008 audition, has now shared intimate details about their final phone call in an emotional interview with Rolling Stone.
Simon Cowell reflected on their last meeting, which took place a year before the tragedy. "He came over to my house," Cowell recalled. "We talked about his son and being a dad." The music executive remembered offering crucial advice to the singer, telling him: "Music is not everything. Don't let it run your life anymore. Find something else that you are passionate about."
Ongoing Investigations and Family Reflections
The toxicology report following Liam's death revealed he had alcohol, cocaine, and antidepressants in his system when he died. Investigations in Argentina continue, with two individuals - Ezequiel Pereyra and Braian Paiz - facing charges of supplying the singer with drugs. Both deny the allegations, and a trial date has not yet been set.
Cowell also revealed he recently spoke with Liam's parents, who shared that their son "was so proud of what he had achieved" during his music career. The judge found himself contemplating what might have been different, asking: "What would've happened to Liam if he hadn't been in the band?"
Unanswered Questions and Future Proceedings
A final inquest into Liam Payne's death has not yet taken place. Senior Coroner Crispin Butler confirmed that authorities are "continuing to liaise with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office" to obtain full reports and eyewitness statements from Argentina before proceeding with the statutory inquest questions.
Cowell expressed his personal grief and the lingering questions that remain. "When I heard the news, it really hit me," he said. "You ask yourself that question: 'Could I have done anything more?' I wish I could turn back the clock, of course." Despite these regrets, Cowell noted that during their final conversation, he thought Payne seemed "in a really good place."
