Liam Payne remembered as Simon Cowell opens up about his heartbreaking death

Liam Payne’s unexpected passing continues to impact many, with Simon Cowell revisiting the grief a year later.

In a November 29 episode of New York Times’ The Interview, the 66-year-old TV personality shared the exact moment he learned about the One Direction alum’s demise.

"Somebody who works with me very closely came into my room," Cowell said.

"I was up in the north of England, and I could tell by the look of her face that she was upset. She said, 'Sit down,' and she told me. And it was like — wow," he added.

The America's Got Talent judge recalled that Payne’s death brought back memories of another profound loss he had faced.

"It was a bit like I felt when I heard the news when my dad passed away,” he stated.

Toward the end, Cowell remarked, "It's very difficult to put into words how you feel. It's just a shock. At that point, you're not really thinking clearly.”

It is worth noting that he helped launch Payne’s career on the X Factor when the late musician was just 14-year-old.

For those unversed, Liam Payne breathed his last at the age of 31 on October 16, 2024, after falling from a hotel balcony in Argentina.