Liam Payne sought 'advice and direction' from Simon Cowell in the months before his tragic death

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Liam Payne, who rose to international fame as part of the iconic boy band One Direction, tragically died on Wednesday, October 16, after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The news of his death shocked fans worldwide, as the 31-year-old’s life had been marked by both personal triumphs and struggles.

In the months leading up to his untimely death, Payne continued to seek advice and guidance from Simon Cowell, his mentor and close friend, signaling the deep bond they shared, as per The Mirror.

Liam Payne looked to Simon Cowell for advice and direction

Liam Payne, who first found fame on 'The X Factor' in 2011 when Simon Cowell placed him in One Direction alongside Harry Styles, Niall Horan, Louis Tomlinson, and Zayn Malik, always maintained a close relationship with the record executive.

After One Direction's hiatus in 2016, Payne leaned on Simon for both personal and professional advice.

Their relationship extended beyond the music industry, with Payne often bringing his son, Bear, whom he welcomed with ex-girlfriend, Cheryl Cole, to visit Simon and his son, Eric Philip Cowell.

In an interview with OK! Magazine, Simon's brother, Tony Cowell, opened up about the close-knit relationship Payne shared with the Cowell family.

He said, "Throughout the years, he always kept in touch with Simon. Only a few months ago, he visited Simon at his house in the Cotswolds and took Bear along because he knew Simon’s son Eric would be there."

"He felt so comfortable being with Eric and Simon. He still looked to Simon for advice and direction. Through the years, when he’s dealt with different problems and been trying to find his feet, Simon would always try to help. They had such respect for each other," noted Tony. 

It was clear that Payne wasn’t just seeking approval from Simon, but genuine guidance in navigating life after the band.

"Liam wasn’t looking for approval but he wanted to learn what he could do better, whether it was on stage, as a father, or as a friend," explained Tony, adding, "He was so kind, had time for everybody, and cared so deeply. He developed as an artist and a performer, but he always retained that down-to-earth kindness."

"He made time for everybody and was so thoughtful and generous," expressed the showbiz reporter. 

In his tribute to Payne, Simon wrote, "Liam, I am truly devastated. Heartbroken. And I feel empty." 

Disbandment of One Direction marked the beginning of a difficult journey for Liam Payne

One Direction's hiatus in 2016 brought immense pressure on all five members as they sought to establish solo careers, but for Liam Payne, the challenges extended beyond the music.

According to Tony, the "break," which was never meant to be permanent, played a significant role in Payne's struggles.

He revealed, "It was hard for him, watching some of the other boys doing their own thing. None of us knows what it was like to stand in their shoes and experience the highs and the lows that they went through. I think the band breaking up was the beginning for Liam of losing his way."

"He'd been watching Harry’s career fly, becoming a superstar across the world as a solo artist. That must have really hurt him as he wondered what he was going to do," added Tony. 

Despite his own success with songs like 'Strip That Down', Payne struggled to find his footing in the industry. The expectations were high, and while he never begrudged his former bandmates their success, there was an underlying sense of loss.

"He didn’t want to take anything away from the others' success but was a little lost in himself. Being around the warmth of our family seemed to help him," shared Tony.